Moreno Valley Animal Shelter Wins $25,000 Grant from Petco Foundation

MORENO VALLEY >> The Moreno Valley Animal Shelter was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to support programs to improve outcomes for cats. Grant funds will be used to spay and neuter feral and community cats located throughout the City. The Animal Shelter's feral cat pilot project, also known as TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) began October 21, 2015, and was initially funded through a $2,500 donation by comedian Elayne Boosler and continued with additional donations from many supporters of the Animal Shelter. Under the pilot program 259 feral cats were treated through the end of May 2016. With the Petco Foundation's investment it is expected that over 800 more cats will also be treated. The purpose for this grant is to: • Reduce the intake of cats over time by using a positive approach to controlling pet overpopulation. • Reduce the overall euthanasia rates of cats at the Animal Shelter. Expected results include: • A measurable reduction in disease transmission among the general population of cats. • An increase in the Live Return Rate. • Healthier cats adopted into new homes and transferred to our rescue partners. "The Moreno Valley Animal Shelter greatly appreciates the Petco Foundation's generous investment toward this important lifesaving project," said Steve Fries, Moreno Valley's Animal Services Division Manager. "We wish to extend a special thanks to the Petco Foundation Team, Elayne Boosler and many of our local residents for their ongoing support." This grant award was accepted by the Moreno Valley City Council at its June 7, 2016 meeting.