State Agency Asking Taxpayers to Donate To Massachusetts Animal Fund

With tax season underway, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is asking taxpayers to consider investing in the care of animals by donating to the Massachusetts Animal Fund. Taxpayers can contribute to the Fund by selecting to do so when filling out their state tax returns.

“In less than a year, the Department has already been able to assist thousands of pets in nearly 100 of the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns,” said DAR Commissioner John Lebeaux, in a press release. “We’re continuing to work to expand the program to ensure municipalities across the Bay State will benefit. Supporting the fund will help us accomplish this important goal, so please consider donating this tax season.”

Contributions will go toward reducing the number of homeless pets in the Commonwealth by spaying and neutering dogs and cats in animal control facilities, assisting families who would not otherwise be able to afford these services for their pets, and providing training to municipal animal control officers. Seventy-five percent of all funds raised go directly to animals and animal control programs in need.

The Fund is part of a law that took effect in 2012 as a proactive measure to provide assistance for the well being of Massachusetts’ most vulnerable animals.

The Spay/Neuter Voucher Program was instituted in July 2014 and has provided funding for the spaying, neutering, and vaccination of over 2,800 dogs and cats in just seven months.

The Massachusetts Animal Fund is currently partnered with 22 veterinary providers around the Commonwealth—including the Animal Rescue League of Boston, MSPCA-Angell, Dakin Humane Society, North Shore Animal Hospital, and Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society—to help animals in need.

The donation option can be found on Line 32f of the 2014 state income tax return.

More information about donating to the Massachusetts Animal Fund can be found at http://massanimalfund.com/donate.