By Stacy N. Hackett
Posted: May 21, 2008 2 a.m. EDT
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced its new Philadelphia Rescue Assistance Program to help fund rescue groups in Philadelphia, Pa. The program, nicknamed Philly RAP, will provide $70,000 in subsidies and medical cost reimbursements for homeless pets transferred from the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association (PACCA) to rescue groups that work with PACCA.
The ASPCA hopes the animal transfer subsidy and medical care reimbursement programs will help rescue groups take on more animals, thereby increasing the transfer of animals from PACCA. The Animal Transfer Subsidy Program will provide a $25 subsidy for transfers of dogs over 40 pounds and cats aged 6 months or older. The ASPCA also will provide medical reimbursements for animals with several medical conditions and injuries.
“The ASPCA’s Philadelphia Rescue Assistance Program was created to save at-risk animals now,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO. “We understand the urgent need to help save lives in Philadelphia, and with this program, we hope to have not just an immediate impact, but also increase the overall number of animal lives we can save.”
The Philly RAP program will begin on June 1, 2008. “Based on 2007 transfer numbers at PACCA, we estimate that we will have sufficient funding through 2008, with the program officially ending on November 30,” said Sandy Monterose, ASPCA senior director of Northeast regional outreach. For more information about the program, visit the ASPCA’s website.