DECEMBER 12, 2012
State’s largest no-kill animal shelter wins prize in national challenge to save more lives
PHOENIX – The state’s oldest and largest no-kill animal shelter has won recognition from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for the number of dogs and cats it saved in a national challenge.
The Arizona Animal Welfare League & Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL & SPCA) was the “Most Improved Player” in the South Central Division, winning it a $10,000 prize.
AAWL & SPCA increased the number of animals saved by 685, or 129 percent, in the three-month period from Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, compared with the same period last year. The organization received an additional $5,000 for going over a baseline of 300 adoptions during the three months. The grand prize of $100,000 went to the City of San Antonio's animal care services program in Texas.
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But the biggest winners in the ASPCA $100K Challenge were the homeless dogs and cats that got a second chance at life. Maricopa County has one of the highest rates of homeless animals in the United States because of the recession, home foreclosures and reluctance by some owners to have their pets spayed or neutered.
Celebrity cook and animal advocate Rachael Ray sponsored the contest, which challenged shelters across the country to devise innovative ways to save more lives.
As the state’s largest no-kill animal welfare organization, AAWL & SPCA rescues adoptable dogs and cats from “open-intake” facilities like the county shelter, saving them from euthanasia, and finds permanent homes for them. All adoptable animals at AAWL & SPCA are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped, and have received any other medical care needed.
For information about adopting a pet, go to www.aawl.org or call 602-273-6852.
