Archives: Press

SPCA International funding will help purchase kibble-making machine

New York, NY (February 10th, 2020) – While the coronavirus outbreak expands, SPCA International is rushing a $10,000 grant to our longtime partner in China, Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre of Guangyuan. Bo Ai reports that other animal shelters have been put under lockdown due to the coronavirus, even though there is no evidence that dogs and cats can be infected with or spread the new coronavirus. Bo Ai anticipates they may be put under lockdown soon as well, even though they are more than a 12-hour drive from the epicenter of the outbreak in Wuhan. The grant from SPCA International will help the shelter continue to care for all its animals while accepting new animal surrenders during this crisis. They expect access to pet food to dwindle as the coronavirus outbreak continues to disrupt the normal course of business locally. Thanks to the SPCA International grant, Bo Ai will be able to purchase a kibble-making machine to ensure they can sustain their food supply.

SPCA International has partnered with Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre since 2014, in support of its amazing work rescuing animals from the dog meat trade and challenging those responsible. Their activism has resulted in the shuttering of dog meat trade farms and interrupted the transport of dogs on their way to slaughter.  

“It’s heartbreaking to see that so many dogs and cats in China are being abandoned or placed under lockdown in shelters out of misplaced fear and misinformation about coronavirus. According to the World Health Organization, there is currently no evidence that companion animals can be infected with the new coronavirus, which means they cannot transmit the disease. We urge Chinese municipalities to make decisions grounded in medical research and work to stem the tide of misinformation about the new coronavirus and companion animals,” said Meredith Ayan, Executive Director, SPCA International. SPCA International urges people to share the WHO infographic below to help ensure the spread of factual information and reduce the fearful reactions that can be stirred by crisis and misinformation.

About SPCA International

SPCA International (https://www.spcai.org/about-spcai/) is a global animal welfare organization with a mission that is simple, but vast: to advance the safety and well-being of animals. Through outreach, rescue and education programs, SPCA International spearheads lifesaving initiatives and assists grassroots animal activists worldwide.

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Distributed over 90 grants that funded like-minded programs and organizations

New York, NY (January 31, 2020) – SPCA International (SPCAI) had a record-breaking year awarding more grant funding in 2019 than ever before. This grant funding provides support to vital programs that will ensure the safety and well-being of animals across the globe.

The funding is distributed through SPCAI’s Shelter Support Fund which supports and partners with smaller animal welfare organizations domestically and worldwide to increase their impact. In 2019, SPCAI awarded over 90 grants, totaling over $750,000. Since 2007, SPCAI has assisted animal shelters and rescue groups in every U.S. state and over 70 countries around the world.

“2019 was an incredible year for shelter grants. We are looking forward to expanding our reach with more amazing recipients in 2020,” said Meredith Ayan, Executive Director, SPCA International. “Each one of these deserving organizations are making a difference in their community by making the world a better place for animals in need.”

The grant program focuses on smaller shelters and rescue groups with little to no donor base. SPCAI funding allows these organizations to rescue, treat, vaccinate, sterilize and home more animals.

The latest recipients are: Compassion and Responsibly for Animals (Philippines); Unidad de Proteccion Animal (Philippines); Leon County Humane Society (Florida); Patricia Blanco Animal Foundation (Florida); Shabnam Shelter (British Columbia); Dubuque Regional Humane Society (Iowa); Sibanye Animal Welfare and Conservancy Trust (Zimbabwe); Libearty Bear Sanctuary (Romania); Pets and Animal Welfare Society of Kurdistan (Iraq); SOS Galgos (Spain); Asociatia Sava’s Safe Haven (Romania); Syrian Association for Rescuing Animals (Syria); Furever Rescue Foster Home (Egypt); Spay Panama (Panama); Oito Vidas (Brazil); International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (United Kingdom); Ravi Foundation (Pakistan); Red de Apoyo Canino (Venezuela); One World Actors Productions – Animal Rescues (France); Help Animals – Cat Shelter (Serbia); Furget-me-not Rescue (Thailand); TerrAnimal (Ecuador); Ruff Tales Rescue (Georgia); Save Animals (Democratic Republic of Congo); Clearly Veg, Inc.(Washington); Dog Rescue Romania (Romania); Korean K9 Rescue (South Korea); Asociacion Humanitaria Para la Proteccion Animal (Costa Rica); Sneha’s Care (Nepal); Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals L’Ouest De L’ile (Canada); Clean Futures Fund (Michigan); Tanzania Animal Welfare Society (Tanzania); Tanzania Animal Protection Organization (Tanzania); Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Beirut); Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre of Guagyuan (China); K9 Global Rescue (Colorado); Sighthound Sanctuary & Animal Services (Oregon); Corner Brook Scaredy Cat Rescue (Newfoundland); Lawrence County Humane Society (Kentucky); Sunshine Kitty Rescue and Adoptions (Canada); Healing Animal Sonya’s Cat and Animal Rescue (Canada); Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Italia (Italy); Rescue Animals of North Africa (Tunisia); Animal Rescue Nyander Guard (Japan); Asociación de Amigos de los Animales (Guatemala) ; Visitin Vets International (Oregon); Asociatia Sache (Romania); Stray Dog Support (Wisconsin); Raincoast Dog Rescue Society (Canada) ; Aslan’s Cats (New York); Detroit Animal Welfare Group (Michigan); Playa Animal Rescue (Mexico); Animal Friends of Kurdistan (Iraq); Fundacion Amigos de Animales Boguete (Panama); Campaign Against Cruelty to Animals in Sierra Leone (Sierra Leone); Ligue de Protection des Animaux du Calaisis (France); Humane Society St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands); Dharamsala Animal Rescue (India); Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Fiji (Fiji); Putnam County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (New York); Kurdistan Organization for Animal Rights Protection (Iraq); Helping Paws Across Boarders (New Mexico); Animal Welfare Association – Rescue/Education (Guatemala); Reversed Rescue (California); Family Dog Rescue (California); Animal House Jamaica (Jamaica); Vucjack Shelter (Serbia);.

For more information on these organizations please visit:

https://www.spcai.org/get-involved/shelter-support-fund/shelter-list/

About SPCA International:

SPCA International (https://www.spcai.org/about-spcai/) is a global animal welfare organization with a mission that is simple, but vast: to advance the safety and well-being of animals. Through outreach, rescue and education programs SPCA International spearheads lifesaving initiatives and assists grassroots animal activists worldwide.

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A local soldier forms a bond with two cats while serving in Iraq. Knowing in her head she would eventually have to head home, she says she just couldn’t leave these two adorable brothers behind.

Houston Non-Profit will purchase RV To Support Retired Hero Dogs

New York, NY (November 5, 2019) – SPCA International (SPCAI), gave a donation of $25,000 to Mission K9 in Houston, Texas this week to assist with the purchase of an RV that will help carry out their work with “Hero Dogs,” retired working dogs from military or law enforcement.

Mission K9 has been faced with a major obstacle with transporting retired working dogs in the United States, as most airlines no longer accept dogs of this size as cargo. Because of this, they have been forced to send their team out in rental vans, which is extremely inefficient and very expensive. Other difficulties include finding hotels that will accept dogs along the way, as well as the laborious event of loading dog crates in and out of the van for each potty break.  

To meet these challenges, Mission K9 decided to purchase an RV that can be used to transport the Hero Dogs and serve as a replacement for hotels. The 31ft Winnebago Spirit RV will hold 4 or more dogs in crates, a team of up to three people, and no crates will need to be moved to break the dogs out for the night. This will serve as much more efficient use of time and money for the organization. Mission K9 has calculated the cost savings alone will be in excess of $2000 per month considering the number of transports.

“We are proud to support Mission K9 in helping these incredible animals that aided those who put their lives on the line each day,” said Meredith Ayan, Executive Director, SPCA International.

About SPCA International:

SPCA International (https://www.spcai.org/about-spcai/) is a global animal welfare organization with a mission that is simple, but vast: to advance the safety and well-being of animals. Through outreach, rescue and education programs SPCA International spearheads lifesaving initiatives and assists grassroots animal activists worldwide.

About Mission K9:

Mission K9 provides assistance and support for Working Dogs worldwide. Our organization’s purpose for existence is to serve retiring and retired Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs, and other Dogs who Serve as they may fit into our mission and scope. To Rescue, Reunite, Re-Home, Rehabilitate and Repair any retired working dog that has served mankind in some capacity.

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Funds will help build the most innovative shelter facility in Lebanon

New York, NY (September 3, 2019) – This week, SPCA International (SPCAI) will award its largest grant in the organization’s history to Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (BETA) in support of BETA’s capital campaign to build a pioneering shelter in Lebanon’s biggest city.

Since 2004, BETA has been working to create a cruelty-free city through education and activism. BETA rescues dogs, cats and wildlife from life-threatening danger. Once in their care, they work tirelessly to place animals in loving homes locally and around the world. The organization also conducts trap, neuter and release programs to reduce the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats in Beirut. BETA is currently caring for over 800 homeless dogs and cats.

In September 2018, BETA received an eviction notice from their current shelter site; putting all the animals in their care at risk once again. In early 2019, BETA received permitting approval for a new shelter location but the land is entirely undeveloped. BETA has until December 2019 to build a new facility and move their animal population.

The new shelter has been designed in accordance with international standards. Modeled after a world-renowned American shelter, the new facility is designed to increase adoption rates, run sustainably and be an example for others in the region to follow.

SPCA International has been partnering with BETA since 2016. This grant in the amount of $100,000 is the largest SPCAI has ever awarded.

“We are proud to give BETA $100,000 for their innovative new shelter. Their task ahead is difficult and their timeline is tight. We hope this grant will help propel them toward the finish line and inspire others to give generously,” explains Meredith Ayan, Executive Director, SPCA International.

The grant will be announced at BETA’s annual fundraising gala in Beirut, Lebanon, on September 5^th, 2019. SPCA International’s team will be in attendance to present the award during the event.

The funding is distributed through SPCAI’s Shelter Support Fund which supports and partners with underfunded animal welfare organizations in the U.S. and worldwide to increase their impact. So far in 2019, SPCAI has awarded 48 grants and more than $250,000. Since 2007, SPCAI has assisted animal shelters and rescue groups in every U.S. state and over 60 countries around the world.

For more information about the gala or to attend, please visit: https://betadonations.com/collections/frontpage/products/beta-s-13th-annual-gala-dinner-at-sursock-palace (Press passes available upon request.)

About SPCA International:

SPCA International (https://www.spcai.org/about-spcai/) is a global animal welfare organization with a mission that is simple, but vast: to advance the safety and well-being of animals. Through outreach, rescue and education programs SPCA International spearheads lifesaving initiatives and assists grassroots animal advocates worldwide.

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Grants will fund like-minded programs and organizations

New York, NY (August 28, 2019) – SPCA International (SPCAI) is pleased to announce the recipients of grant funding awarded by the organization in the past few months that will provide support to important programs and improve the safety and well-being of animals around the globe.

The funding is distributed through SPCAI’s Shelter Support Fund which supports and partners with smaller animal welfare organizations domestically and worldwide to increase their impact. In 2019, SPCAI has awarded 48 grants and more than $250,000 so far. Since 2007, SPCAI has assisted animal shelters and rescue groups in every U.S. state and over 60 countries around the world.

“We have helped many phenomenal groups so far in 2019 and we are looking forward to helping many more animal organizations in the remaining months of the year,” said Meredith Ayan, Executive Director, SPCA International. “We are proud to help these deserving organizations increase their reach and make the world a better place for animals.”

The grant program focuses on smaller shelters and rescue groups with little to no donor base. SPCAI funding allows these organizations to rescue, treat, vaccinate, sterilize and home more animals.

The latest recipients are:

CARA (Philippines); Unidad de Proteccion Animal (Dominican Republic); Leon County Humane Society (Florida); Patricia Blanco Animal Foundation (Florida); Shabnam Shelter (British Columbia); Dubuque Regional Humane Society (Iowa); Dog Rescue Romania (Romania); PAWS of Kurdistan (Iraq); SOS Galgos (Spain); Sava’s Safe Haven (Romania); SARA (Syria); Furever Rescue Foster Home (Egypt); Rocket Dog (California); Spay Panama (Panama); Oito Vidas (Brazil); IAPWA (UK); Ravi Foundation (Pakistan); Red de Apoyo Canino (Venezuela); Libearty Bear Sanctuary (Romania); One World Actors Productions – Animal Rescues (France); Help Animals – Cat Shelter Jessica (Serbia); Furget-me-not Rescue (Thailand); TerrAnimal (Ecuador); KOARP (Iraq); Save Animals (Democratic Republic of Congo); Ruff Tales Rescue (Washington); Sibanye Animal Welfare and Conservancy Trust (Zimbabwe); Cleary Veg Inc. (Washington); Asociacion Humanitaria Para la Proteccion Animal (Costa Rica); Sneha’s Care (Nepal); SPCA L’Ouest De L’ile (Québec); Healing Animal SCARS (Nova Scotia); Sunshine Kitty Rescue and Adoptions (Newfoundland); Clean Futures Fund (Michigan); Tanzania Animal Welfare Society (Tanzania); Tanzania Animal Protection Organization (Tanzania); Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Lebanon); Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre of Guagyuan (China); K9 Global Rescue (Colorado); Sighthound Sanctuary & Animal Services (Oregon); Corner Brook Scaredy Cat Rescue (Newfoundland); Korean K9 Rescue (New York); Lawrence County Humane Society (Kentucky).

For more information on these organizations please visit: https://www.spcai.org/get-involved/shelter-support-fund/shelter-list/

About SPCA International:

SPCA International (https://www.spcai.org/about-spcai/) is a global animal welfare organization with a mission that is simple, but vast: to advance the safety and well-being of animals. Through outreach, rescue and education programs SPCA International spearheads lifesaving initiatives and assists grassroots animal activists worldwide.

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Will fund a spay and neuter program for low income pet owners

New York, NY (August 7, 2019) – SPCA International (SPCAI) announced today a grant to the Lawrence County Humane Society (LCHS) in Kentucky for their Low Income Spay/Neuter Assistance Program and Trap, Neuter, Return program.  

The funding is distributed through SPCAI’s Shelter Support Fund which supports and partners with smaller animal welfare organizations domestically and worldwide to increase their impact. In 2019, SPCAI has awarded 48 grants and more than $250,000 so far. Since 2007, SPCAI has assisted animal shelters and rescue groups in every U.S. state and over 60 countries around the world.

“We are so proud to assist with the great work that is being done by Lawrence County Humane Society,” said Meredith Ayan, Executive Director, SPCA International. “We’re confident this grant will increase spay and neuter rates and improve the overall health of the animal population LCHS serves.”

Founded in 1990, Lawrence County Humane Society works in a geographically large county in Eastern Kentucky. In addition, they own and operate the only animal shelter (Open Arms Animal Shelter) in the county and provide a vital service to an otherwise economically challenged area. The purpose of the Humane Society is to prevent cruelty, relieve suffering, and extend humane education on behalf of the numerous abandoned, abused, and/or neglected animals in the area.

The Low Income Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance Program was initiated in 2016 through receipt of a small start-up grant. But a concerted effort was put forth by volunteers to raise more money through private resources which allowed an additional 46 personal pets to be provided spay/neuter surgery. With a combined effort of private fundraising and grants, the Low Income Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance Program has assisted countless families on fixed incomes to get their felines spayed/neutered. This initiative not only ensures that countless animals are fixed but will help to keep these personal pets in their homes (often with the elderly or infirmed) instead of being brought to shelters. In addition, this initiative has significantly reduced the number of unwanted litters born each year. As of June 2019, over 1,000 personal pets and free roaming community cats have received the much needed spay/neuter surgery through LCHS services.

About SPCA International:

SPCA International (https://www.spcai.org/about-spcai/) is a global animal welfare organization with a mission that is simple, but vast: to advance the safety and well-being of animals. Through outreach, rescue and education programs SPCA International spearheads lifesaving initiatives and assists grassroots animal activists worldwide.

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08 Jul 2019 BBC News

After the nuclear disaster in 1986 evacuated families had to abandon their pet dogs. The offspring of this community still live in the nuclear exclusion zone and are now receiving veterinary help.