Kentucky Humane Society launches new project to help fund rural shelters
Dogs and cats in Kentucky’s rural communities will soon be getting extra help – thanks to a $1.2 million grant awarded to the Kentucky Humane Society by WaterShed Animal Fund.
KHS will launch a three-year pilot project called Love 120, an effort to positively affect animals in all 120 counties in Kentucky over the next decade.
The goals of this new initiative include reducing the number of animals surrendered to rural shelters by providing access to affordable spay/neuter surgeries and wellness services to owned pets, improving shelter conditions by reducing overcrowding and improving health and, ultimately, helping shelters increase their lifesaving capacity. KHS expects over 8,700 animals will be affected over the three years.
Three partner communities will be selected to get more extensive assistance as part of this launch phase.
“Our vision is to help rural animal shelters improve the health and well-being of companion animals in their communities, eventually reaching all corners of the state,” said Lori Redmon, president and CEO of KHS. “Kentucky has been identified by some as one of the worst states for animal welfare, and with the help of WaterShed Animal Fund, we intend to improve this ranking.”
In 2018, KHS assisted overcrowded animal shelters in 35 of Kentucky’s 120 counties by taking in their animals for adoption.