Florida Animal Friend 2013 Grant Recipient Shares Success Story

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Dec 23, 2013, 08:50 ET

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Animal Friend, an organization dedicated to saving the lives of unwanted cats and dogs throughout the state of Florida, announced the Clay County Humane Society as a $25,000 grant winner earlier this year. Since receiving the Florida Animal Friend grant, the Clay County Humane Society launched a free cat sterilization program for any feline, owned or feral, with no limit, no hidden costs and no qualifying or verification of income. With the help of this grant, the organization hopes to sterilize more than 2800 cats this year alone.

With a seemingly endless growth of cat populations and colonies in Clay County, the Clay County Humane Society reached out to Florida Animal Friend for grant assistance. Clay County, located in rural, northeast Florida, is comprised mostly of middle to-low-income families. Due to high unemployment rates and an unstable economy, veterinary care and animal welfare have become low priorities to local families in the community.

For the past 35 years, the Clay County Humane Society has been on the front line battling the pet overpopulation problem and serving the animals and people of their community. In an effort to reduce the number of animals euthanized each day and help those suffering from non-existent veterinary care, the Clay County Humane Society opened the first and only low cost clinic in North Florida in 1991.

"Animals are treated at our facility on a first-come, first-serve basis," said Linda Welzant, executive director of the Clay County Humane Society. "It is amazing to show up at work, and see and hear that people have been waiting in line since 6 a.m., ready to help their animals."

The Clay County Humane Society, located at 2230 Filmore Street in Orange Park also provides rabies vaccines, ear clippings and sterilizations every Wednesday, with no appointment necessary.

ABOUT FLORIDA ANIMAL FRIEND
Incorporated in 2005, Florida Animal Friend's mission is to help save the lives of countless unwanted cats and dogs by supporting organizations that offer free or low-cost spay and neuter services across the state of Florida. The organization strives to reduce the pet overpopulation problem by increasing awareness of programs available to pet owners and homeless pets. Grants are awarded annually and are funded through the sale of the Florida Animal Friend license plates. For more, visit www.floridaanimalfriend.org.

SOURCE Florida Animal Friend