NEWS RELEASE

The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVB) is delighted to announce that it is a recipient of a Florida Animal Friend grant in the amount of $15,540.

The grant will be used to spay and neuter 400 cats and 150 dogs belonging to economically insecure residents living in Fellsmere, Gifford, Wabasso and South County for one dollar per animal. The program is funded through August 31, 2018.

“Providing high-quality, high-volume sterilization is the most important component for combating animal cruelty and neglect,” HSVB Director of Development Sara Smith said. According to Smith, the program will target pets belonging to residents living in the 32948, 32967, 23970 and 32962 ZIP codes. “Thanks to the Florida Animal Friend grant we’ll be able to target the areas where we receive the greatest number of surrendered and stray animals,” Smith explained.

This is the third time HSVB has been a recipient of the Florida Animal Friend grant, which generates funding from the sale of specialty license plates that promote spay/neuter services. Twenty-five dollars from each license plate goes directly to funding free or low-cost animal sterilization programs provided by Florida animal organizations. This year, HSVB was one of 28 programs to receive financial support.

For more information about the Florida Animal Friend License Plate Program or to learn how to purchase a specialty license plate, visit floridaanimalfriend.org or call (813) 968-4364.

The HSVB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping and protecting the animals of Indian River County.