City Celebrates Be Kind to Animals Week May 2 through May 9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2010

For additional information:
Laurie Ringquist, Director of Animal Care & Control, City of Bloomington, 349.3492
Jared Schlemmer, Assistant Deputy Mayor, City of Bloomington, 349.3406, schlemmj@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington, IN - Laurie Ringquist, Director of the Animal Care and Control division, has announced that the City of Bloomington will recognize Be Kind to Animals Week from Sunday, May 2 through Saturday, May 9, in conjunction with American Humane Association's annual national celebration. The American Humane Association has celebrated Be Kind Week since 1915. This year's theme is "So many animals. So many ways to be kind."

"Celebrating 'Be Kind to Animals' Week helps us raise awareness about animals in our homes and communities and to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals," said Ringquist, "Whether it is enjoying the wildlife in your backyard or enjoying the companionship of a beloved pet, we gain so much by having animals in our lives."

One of the most meaningful ways to "be kind" to animals is to adopt a shelter animal that is in need of a loving home. To encourage adoptions during this week, all adoption fees will be half price from Saturday, May 1 through Sunday, May 9. Regular adoption fees are $75 for dogs and cats under 5 years of age and $55 for those five years and older. The reduced adoption rate will be $37.50 and $27.50, respectively. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccines and microchipping plus heartworm testing for dogs and testing for feline leukemia and FIV in cats.

In addition, all children visiting the shelter that week will receive a "Be Kind to Animals" gift bag.

The following are additional ways in which the public can "Be Kind to Animals:"

• Volunteer at the shelter.
• Become a foster parent for shelter animals.
• Donate food, toys, bleach or bedding to the shelter.
• Spay or neuter your pets.
• Keep your pets current on vaccinations.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags and are microchipped.
• Call the City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control division at 349.3492 if you witness animal cruelty or abuse.
• Create a space for wildlife in your own backyard.
• Avoid leaving your pet in your car, especially in hot weather.

The shelter is located at 3410 S. Walnut and is open to the public Mon/Wed/Thurs/Sat from noon - 5 p.m., Tues/Fri from noon - 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 - 4 p.m. Adoptable animals can be viewed on the City's web site at www.bloomington.in.gov/animalshelter. They can also be seen at the Farmers' Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon.

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