For immediate release
Contact: Mindy Kolin, Director, Development & Community Relations
mkolin@mckameyanimalcenter.org
423.305.7141
McKamey Animal Center Announces Huge Wins in Reducing Overpopulation
(Chattanooga, TN) February 4, 2020 - McKamey Animal Center is anything but a typical shelter and 2019 was a record breaking year as 4,300 animals were saved, rehabilitated, and placed in homes.
Over the past year, MAC created critical neonate (newborn), community cat, and canine behavior programs that increased the live release rate to 90% for cats and 84% for dogs. MAC’s average length of stay is 28 days but for the most ill, injured and those in need of rehabilitation a length of stay is often much longer and comes with a high cost.
Last summer MAC exceeded spending an additional $50,000 caring for more than 600 kittens in their growing neonate program, 484 more kittens than 2018. At its peak, there were 800 animals in MAC’s care and while the expense is great, the programs have proven critical in allowing MAC to follow its mission of saving animals and helping people.
Through the community cat program, MAC trapped, spayed/ neutered and released 700 cats with 378 females in the mix. Each female could have had three litters in a year, giving birth to 3-5 kittens each litter. Spaying 378 females reduced the possibility of over 5,600 additional homeless kittens in our area. Overall, the clinic team spayed/neutered 6668 animals, up from 4214 in 2018..
“It’s not enough to provide a safe, clean shelter,” said Jamie McAloon, executive director. “We must be actively reducing the vast number of unwanted animals that fill our city shelters daily. We have to increase spay and neuter efforts as that is the key to reducing overpopulation, we must do more.”
These successes would not be possible if not for the community that provides support and time to help MAC follow its mission.
According to Mindy Kolin, director of development “There is a misconception that funds for the Center are provided by the city of Chattanooga. With more than a 3.3 million dollar budget, city contracts provide just over 50% of the funds and are allocated for animal enforcement services. Funding for those critical care programs come solely from donor contributions and grants.”
MAC is anticipating another extraordinary kitten and puppy season and is in need of community support. Recently launched, MAC’s GEM program invites donors to give every month providing a continuous stream of income to ensure abused, neglected, and homeless animals have their needs met whenever they arrive at MAC’s doors. For monthly giving and other ways to give and get involved visit
mckameyanimalcenter.org/donate
