Residents Encouraged to Donate on line 33f on State Income Tax Returns
Feb. 26, 2019 – As citizens around the Commonwealth race to file their taxes ahead of this year’s deadline, the MSPCA-Angell is celebrating a milestone that was unimaginable only several years ago: the spaying and neutering of 10,000 animals as part of the state’s Massachusetts Animal Fund.
The MSPCA is pointing to the unheralded success of the program to underscore the importance of continuing to support it, and is encouraging Massachusetts taxpayers to assist the Fund’s efforts by donating whatever amount they can on line 33f this tax season.
The Fund, formed with legislation the MSPCA worked to pass, helps spay, neuter, and vaccinate cats and dogs and is funded by donations on state income tax returns.
Veterinarians across the state provide the services for the Mass Animal Fund’s voucher program, dedicated to bringing resources to homeless animals and animals owned by low-income Massachusetts residents. The MSPCA’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center recently held a “voucher day” to provide these services to the community.
The Mass Animal Fund was created as the result of a bill sponsored by Senator Patricia Jehlen to serve as a mechanism to provide assistance to Massachusetts’ most vulnerable companion animals. Obstacles such as poverty, transportation, and lack of accessible veterinary care often prevent sterilization and vaccinations in at-risk populations. Through the Fund’s large collaborative network of municipal animal control officers and veterinary providers, animals across 300 of Massachusetts’ communities have received services through the Fund.
“I was pleased to lead this effort in the State House,” stated Senator Jehlen (Somerville). “This bill formed the Mass Animal Fund, but also advanced animal control in many ways, including requiring that animal control officers receive training.“
“While the Fund helps many animals each year, the need for more income exists. I look forward to again obtaining additional funds in the state budget to make sure all the animals who need help, get it,” noted Rep. Louis Kafka (Sharon).
“Since its inception this Fund has provided invaluable support to our beloved pets and those still seeking a home,” said Senator Mark Montigny (New Bedford), original author of the Fund’s tax donation system. “I look forward to another 10,000th milestone and encourage everyone to donate during this year’s returns”.
“Oreo” (pictured) is a 5 year old male Shih Tzu who was recently neutered at the MSPCA’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center. “We are so grateful to be able to provide medical care for Oreo and hundreds of other animals like him, whose owners understand the importance of spay/neuter but can’t afford the cost of surgery,” said Cary Payton, Spay/Neuter Outreach Coordinator at the MSPCA.
More information can be found at www.massanimalfund.com. To help advocate for additional funds for animals at the State House, visit www.mspca.org/jointheteam.
