American Humane Association’s Rescue Rig to Visit City of Bloomington Animal Shelter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2008

For additional information, contact:
Sarah Hayes, CEO, Monroe County Humane Association, 812-332-0123
Laurie Ringquist, Director, Animal Care and Control, City of Bloomington, 812-349-3489

Bloomington, IN -- The City of Bloomington Animal Shelter, in conjunction with the Monroe County Humane Association, will host an animal-related emergency preparedness event on Sunday, March 30, 2008, from 1-4 p.m. It will take place at the Shelter at 3410 S Walnut. The event will feature tours of the American Humane Association's 82-foot Rescue Rig.

The Association's Rescue Rig is the largest rescue vehicle in its fleet of emergency response vehicles and is customized to help animals in disasters.

"As tornado season approaches, we thought it would be a good time to educate and remind the community to include their animals in their emergency preparedness plans and to review their pets' needs such as whether or not they are spayed or neutered and if they are wearing current identification," said Laurie Ringquist, Director of the City of Bloomington Animal Care & Control Division.

• In addition to Rescue Rig tours, the following services will be offered to the public:
• $5 spay/neuter vouchers for qualified Monroe County residents
• Microchipping for cats and dogs for a reduced rate of $15 (regularly $25)
• Dog wash for a $5 donation per dog
• Free disaster preparedness and emergency information for you and your pets
• The City of Bloomington Animal Shelter will also be open for special adoption hours of 1-4 p.m.

"We encourage the public to take advantage of the reduced-cost microchipping service at the event," said Sarah Hayes, CEO of the Monroe County Humane Association. "Microchipping is a great way to make sure your animal gets back to you should you become separated."

The spay/neuter vouchers can be redeemed at select vets for a spay or neuter surgery at no additional cost. Contact the MCHA at 812-333-6242 to determine eligibility.

All well-behaved, vaccinated pets on a leash are welcome.

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