LANSING, MI (WNEM) -
Cat and dog lovers can help out their four-legged friends by checking off the Companion Animal Welfare Fund when filing their 2012 taxes.
"Each year, more Michigan citizens recognize the value of supporting this program," said Dr. Steven Halstead, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) state veterinarian. "As a result, 59 Michigan shelters have used funds to sterilize and find homes for companion animals. Each year taxpayers increase the adoptability of hundreds of cats and dogs in Michigan."
The Companion Animal Welfare Fund was established under Public Act 132 of 2007. The fund supports efforts relating to the spaying and neutering of animals, and helps finance the costs for protecting and caring for animals that have been subjected to cruelty or neglect. Taxpayers may elect to contribute $5, $10, or any other amount to the fund.
The Michigan Department of Treasury collects the check-off dollars and delivers them to MDARD for distribution to licensed animal shelters.
- In 2010, 11 facilities received $103,829
- In 2011, 15 facilities received nearly $112,000
- In 2012, 20 facilities received $177,192
Note: To view a YouTube video on the pet adoption process in Michigan, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-oHLn8LJTA
Copyright 2013 WNEM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
