TDA Now Accepting Applications for Animal Spay/Neuter Grants

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for animal spay/neuter grants. The grants supports low cost spay/neuter programs in Tennessee and are funded through Animal Friendly license plate sales.

 

“The grant program makes responsible pet owner services available to many people who otherwise would be unable to afford them,” said Dr. Charlie Hatcher, State Veterinarian. “The Animal Friendly license tags are helping control the number of unwanted animals and we are proud that it enjoys such good public support.”

 

Every Animal Friendly license plate sale contributes more than $15 to fund the grants. Last year, $95,200 was awarded to a total of 56 different non-profit organizations and government agencies and another $120,000 has been allocated for this year.

 

In 2009, more than 4,500 animals benefited from the services performed because of these grants. Reducing the number of unwanted animals also helps reduce cases of animal cruelty, starvation and lowers the instances of disease.

 

Grant applications for non-profit organizations and government agencies are available at www.TN.gov/agriculture/regulatory/spayneuter.html and are due by May 24. Once received, a committee of animal professionals will meet and make recommendations of recipients. Grant recipients will receive notification of awards in July.

 

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture works to prevent, control and eradicate certain infectious or communicable diseases of livestock and other domestic animals. The agency houses the State Veterinarian Office, has a network of three animal diagnostic labs and helps coordinate Disaster Animal Response Teams.