Local animal welfare group receives grants

EPHRATA - A local animal assistance program received two grants to help with its program to help low-income Grant County pet owners spay and neuter their animals.

Wags 'n Whiskers was awarded $2,500 from the Handsel Foundation and $1,500 from the ASPCA. Wags 'n Whiskers is a non-profit organization committed to alleviating animal neglect and cruelty, mostly by attempting to reduce pet overpopulation.

Hansdel is a family foundation, based in Olympia, formed in 1990 to fight animal neglect and cruelty. One focus of their efforts is spay and neuter programs operated by smaller organizations.

The ASPCA is the oldest animal welfare organization in the United States, founded in New York City in 1866. From the beginning its mission has been to promote humane treatment of animals, according to its website. In the first three months of organization, the group has distributed about $1.5 million to animal welfare groups across the country.

- Staff report