FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dan Shirey
Banfield Charitable Trust
503-922-5801
BANFIELD CHARITABLE TRUST AWARDS $10,000 GRANT TO AID ANIMALS AFFECTED BY GULF OIL SPILL
PORTLAND, Ore.- July 12, 2010 – The Banfield Charitable Trust (BCT) awarded a $10,000 grant to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine to aid in animal rescue resulting from the gulf oil spill. The funds will be used to retrofit two existing trailers that can be used to transport any birds or sea turtles from shorelines affected by oil to safe waters elsewhere in Florida.
"We’ve all seen the pelicans and turtles covered in oil and our hearts go out to the animals and the needs of organizations trying to help,” said Dianne McGill, executive director and chief executive officer of the BCT. “The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine is a first responder when fires or storms affect pets and animals in the state.”
The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine is a core member of the Florida SART (State Agricultural Response Team) and provides aid to animals affected by a disaster. The team’s response includes assessment, veterinary care, rescue and transportation across the state.
“The funding from the Banfield Charitable Trust obviously comes at a critical time,” said John Haven, College Director, “This will allow us to upgrade the temperature controls, air flow and exhaust ventilation and humidity controls in our trailers to move rehabilitated animals from treatment centers to new locations in the state.”
The BCT provides grants for disaster preparedness and response as it affects Pets and their families. Upgrading these trailers not only provides needed resources now for birds and sea turtles affected by the oil spill, it will benefit Florida well into the future for Pet evacuation when local disasters strike. During Hurricane Wilma (2005), SART provided emergency support to over 300 veterinary clinics, and cared for over 150 Pets during Hurricane Charley (2004).
"BCT’s mission is to help keep Pets and families together. Right now, the emergency is so great that I’m pleased we are in a position to help as many animals as possible,” said McGill.
About the Banfield Charitable Trust
Banfield Charitable Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 2003, supports projects that keep Pets and families together. We provide funding to nonprofit organizations that promote the Pet-family bond and preventive healthcare for Pets. The Charitable Trust also supports education about Pets and Pet-related career training.
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