Manatee Community Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Bill and Maryann Vinall Fund to Manatee County Animal Services. The grant will provide support to free spay or neuter surgeries as a hold over until new county funding is available.

Low-income qualified citizens can receive the surgeries for up to two pets at a participating nonprofit spay/neuter clinic.

Additionally, Manatee Community Foundation will match up to $5,000 in donations received from the public through September 15, 2016.

According to Sarah Brown, MPA, Chief of Animal Services Division, “This grant will enable Manatee County Animal Services to help those who truly need it and hopefully prevent unwanted litters of dogs and cats that may otherwise end up here or at other local organizations working to find homes for pets in our community.”

To make a tax-deductible gift, call Joan McCaw at (941) 747-7765 or send a check made out to Manatee Community Foundation to 2820 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Please note Animal Welfare Fund in the memo.