Pennsylvania humane societies and societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals will receive additional state financial support in 2006 for their work protecting stray dogs. The states Department of Agricultures Dog Control Reimbursement Grant Program will provide money to shelters that accept stray canines from the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
The grants help organizations comply with state law by reimbursing their operating expenses, said Dennis Wolff, Pennsylvanias agriculture secretary.
Pennsylvanias dog law requires canine control facilities, like humane societies, to hold a stray dog for a minimum of 48 hours, said Wolff. This program helps these facilities meet their expenses and eases worried pet owners minds knowing their missing dogs have a place to stay.
Thirty-seven grants totaling $305,000 have been awarded to organizations in 34 counties. Grants are based on an organizations qualifications, and are either $5,000 or $10,000. Funding for the program comes from the sale of individual dog and kennel licenses through the states Dog Law Restricted Account.
Posted November 3, 2005, 4:00 p.m. PST