Michigan Animal Shelters, Homeless Pets Get Boost from Department of Agriculture Grants

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently announced the recipients of the 2020 Animal Welfare Fund grants.

This year, MDARD will distribute $127,240 to 23 registered animal shelters throughout the state to support the spaying and neutering of shelter dogs and cats to help them be more adoptable. Grants also help support many anti-cruelty and proper care programs and training around the state.

Registered shelters also can receive assistance through the grant program for the unrecovered costs of care for animals involved in legal investigations.

The Animal Welfare Fund is supported by generous Michiganders during tax season when they check the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, with their state tax returns.

Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1.3 million to more than 185 local animal shelters. One hundred percent of the contributions made to this fund are used for Michigan animal welfare programs.

The Face and Story Behind the Cherryland Humane Society’s Social Media

Though Cherryland Humane Society has a smaller reach – about 14,500 Facebook followers – social media has played an equally crucial role for engagement. Over the past year and a half, Animal Welfare Manager Tia Thoms and Fund Development Specialist Grace Lambert have worked together to ramp up Cherryland’s online presence. Click here for the rest of the story.

Traverse City Man and His Dog Make a Bus Their Home

Housing is a highly discussed topic in Traverse City. The city’s expensive home costs and rental prices make living here difficult. Kyle Anderson is a young homeowner in Traverse City that just rented his house out in favor of a new living arrangement; living on a school bus. When I went to talk to Kyle I drove to the top of Historic Barns Park and looked around for a man and his dog. When I couldn’t find him I called, and when he answered he told me to turn around. Click here for the rest of the story.

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society Rescues 11 Dogs From Home

It was an alarming situation members of the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society were made aware of which ultimately helped save the lives of 11 dogs.

About a month ago, the humane society in Harbor Springs was alerted to an overcrowded dog situation at a home in Carp Lake after two puppies from the home were surrendered to the organization. Click here for the rest of the story.

Michigan Humane Society Teams With Feds, Detroit Police to Stop Dog Fighting Ring

The Michigan Humane Society, along with the USDA and Detroit Police Department, seized multiple canines from a suspected dog fighting ring between the 6300 and 6400 blocks of Abington on Detroit’s west side Tuesday morning.

Investigators executed a search warrant and found 21 dogs at the home, four of them puppies. The teams also discovered paraphernalia consistent with dog fighting and are currently questioning a suspect. Click here for the rest of the story.