With record numbers of pets homeless and at risk of being euthanized in the Valley, the Arizona Animal Welfare League/Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL/SPCA) could get a big boost in its life-saving work.

Arizonans can join in helping AAWL/SPCA save homeless animals by simply voting each week for the organization to advance in a national competition called “Mutt Madness.” Using basketball’s “March Madness” format, winners will be chosen from an initial group of 64 charities over several rounds of online voting.

AAWL/SPCA was selected to compete for the top prize in a nationwide search by TV Host Rachael Ray for the most deserving pet cause in the country. Animal charities will garner $1,000 as they advance through each round, with a top prize of $50,000 and a $25,000 second-place prize to be awarded in December.

“This opportunity comes at a critical time,” says Judith Gardner, President and CEO of AAWL/SPCA. “Maricopa County has the second-worst pet overpopulation problem in the country, and many animals are being needlessly euthanized.”

Statistics from Maddie’s Fund, the Pet Rescue Foundation, show that more than 98,000 animals were taken in to local shelters in 2008. Of those, approximately 53,000, or more than half were euthanized. A previous analysis of animal shelter statistics indicates that up to half of the animals killed at shelters in Maricopa County were healthy or had treatable medical conditions.

AAWL/SPCA, which is the lead organization for Maddie’s Pet Rescue Project in Maricopa County, sends staff to shelters to take in adoptable animals. Many of the animals taken in by AAWL/SPCA have been placed on the “E” list, scheduled for euthanasia because of lack of space and resources at public intake facilities. All animals are medically and behaviorally screened prior to intake to ensure that they can be humanely housed, successfully treated, and placed in permanent homes. AAWL/SPCA provides care, including medical and behavioral services, to these animals until they are adopted. The organization also offers education camps and classes for kids, teens and adults to promote humane values and responsible, fulfilling pet ownership.

AAWL/SPCA — which was voted earlier this year as the Valley’s Best Animal Shelter by readers of the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com — was selected from nominations submitted to Ray’s website. Ray, an Emmy-award winning talk show host and cook known for her “30 Minute Meals,” joined forces last year with a pet food manufacturer to develop a line of dog food and treats. Her Rachael’s Rescue organization, funded by the sale of those products, is funding the prize.

“We know so many people want to help us in our work of rescuing adoptable animals, but in this economy, they may not be able to,” adds Gardner. “This is one easy way to help… all you have to do is be sure to vote for AAWL/SPCA every week.”

To vote, click here.  After registering and logging in, voters must choose an organization in every bracket to submit their votes. Profiles of each organization are also provided through the “voting booth.’

Posted with permission by Amie McGraham

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