Massachusetts Animal Fund Tops $1.5 Million in Six Years
BOSTON, April 17, 2018 – The Massachusetts Animal Fund—established in 2012 as part of a comprehensive enhancement to the animal laws in the Bay State—has raised over $1.5 million from citizens mostly through voluntary donations. That money has been used to sterilize over 8,100 dogs and cats to date, reducing the state’s homeless animal population dramatically.
The Fund, on which MSPCA-Angell director of Advocacy Kara Holmquist serves as an advisor, is reminding residents ahead of the April 17 tax filing deadline to check Line 33f on the Massachusetts resident income tax form to contribute to the case.
“The success of the Fund reflects the compassion that Massachusetts taxpayers have for animals, as well as the collective desire to sharply reduce animal homelessness in our state,” said Holmquist. “Spaying and neutering our companion animals is the only way to bring the homeless population down to zero—and support for this fund is critical toward achieving that end.”
The Fund, which is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, also accepts donations online throughout the year.
Already over $101,000 has come into the fund during the first three months of 2018, which Holmquist suggests is an auspicious start given how many days remain until the tax filing deadline. “We’re still a ways out from April 17th and I’m grateful to see so many citizens continue to prioritize animal welfare when deciding which causes to support.”
Holmquist said that the Fund hopes to receive another allocation of $100,000 toward the Fund in the state’s budget to further reduce the waiting list.
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