Learn | Protecting AnimAls

Animal companions enrich our lives by providing faithful companionship and unconditional love when we need it most. But when animal populations are uncontrolled, the outcome is tragic. Millions of animals are needlessly euthanized in shelters each year, and stray animals can pose a public health risk.

ReseaRchAn average of 20,000-25,000 stray or unwanted dogs and cats enter City of •Fort Worth shelters every year. [1]

Nationally, approximately 5 to 7 million companion animals enter animal • shelters every year, and approximately 3 to 4 million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats). [2]

It’s especially important to get your animal “fixed” at a young age. Many people •believe that it is safer to wait until the animal is older before having it sterilized. Generally, it is safe to spay or neuter most kittens and puppies at 8 weeks of age, although you should check with your veterinarian and have your pet evaluated before scheduling the operation.[3]

Puppy Mills are operations where dogs are systematically bred for the purpose •of being sold at a profit. The conditions are often inhumane and unhealthy, with puppies and dogs kept in small, unsanitary cages, and deprived of exercise.[4]

In Texas, animals are protected by both civil and criminal laws.You may be a witness to animal cruelty if you see an animal that: [5]

Is repeatedly left alone without food and water•Is kept outside without shelter•Has been transported or confined in a cruel manner•Is abandoned•Has wounds on its body•

[1] City of fort Worth [2] ASPCA [3] AmeriCAn humAne ASSoCiAtion [4] SPCA of texAS [5] AnimAl legAl And hiStory Center, miChigAn univerSity College of lAW

To learn more abouT ProTecT ing animals v is iT us aT www.cfnTx.org.

HSNT staff member performs a medical exam on a rescued dog

PhotogrAPh: CourteSy of hSnt

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Bluebonnet Equine Humane SocietyBluebonnet Equine Humane Society works throughout Texas and Arkansas investigating allegations of neglect or abuse of horses, rehabilitating horses that have been abused, and helping these horses find adoptive homes once they are healthy.

Program HigHligHts

BEHS works with local law enforcement to •investigate reports of neglect and abuse.

When possible, owners are educated about •proper horse care so that they can keeptheir horses.

Horses that have been abused or neglected •are rehabilitated by caring foster volunteers so that they can be adopted.

Horses that have been rescued and rehabilitated are placed into adoptive homes •once the potential owner has been evaluated and approved.

For more information, visit bluebonnetequine.org, or call 888.542.5163

Project HenryIn 2009, the City of Fort Worth developed a comprehensive plan to reduce euthanasia at their shelters. Part of this effort included a groundbreaking public-private partnership between the City of Fort Worth and PetSmart Charities, the charitable arm of PetSmart Inc. This hugely successful project brings shelter animals from the city into PetSmart stores for adoption, and has become a nationally-emulated model.

“Project Henry” is the name of the City of Fort Worth’s initiative to build a new medical isolation ward at the city’s animal shelter. This expansion will allow the city to properly care for the many injured and sick animals that arrive at the shelter in need of special attention. With the new medical ward, an estimated additional 1,508 animals will be saved each year. The Community Foundation of North Texas is proud to be a part of Project Henry, and the effort to save more animals. We have partnered with the City of Fort Worth, donors, donor advisors, and other animal welfare organizations to help spearhead the proposed expansion.

For more information, or to donate to Project Henry, call 817.877.0702, or visit cfntx.org

Spotlight | Promoting AnimAl WelfAre

Project Henry’s namesake is Henry, a black Labrador who was found homeless, weak, and gravely ill. Henry would have been euthanized if the shelter’s Director hadn’t intervened. Today Henry serves as the animal shelter’s mascot and chief fundraiser.

Executive DirectorDr. Jennifer Williams and Easter. His mother was removed from negligent owners and had Easter shortly after she was saved.

Photo by: Dr. SPencer WilliamS