ASPCA grants helps horses get the care they deserve

Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) recently received a $3,000 grant from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to help purchase feed and hay for the horses in its care.

“We are seeing more and more cruelty cases of horses, seven this past week,” says CAA Executive Director Beth Brewster. “As a result of the economic downturn, many families can no longer afford the upkeep and care of their animals. This grant allows us to take in horses in and provide them with quality hay and food until adopters and rescue groups can be found.”

CAA is best known for its work with companion animals such as dogs, puppies, kittens and cats. However, as East Baton Rouge parish’s municipal shelter, the facility is obligated to take in stray animals, neglect/cruelty cases as well those relinquished by their owners. That mandate extends to chickens, goats and other livestock. In fact, in 2012, CAA took in 25 horses including a miniature pony. Once deemed healthy, these large animals are available for adoption.

CAA hosts dog and cat adoption at the East Baton Rouge Animal Shelter near the airport at 2680 Progress Road. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. On Thursday, the shelter remains open until 7 p.m.

To volunteer or for more information about CAA, please call 225-774-7701 or visit caabr.org.

For more information on the ASPCA grant, visit aspca.org.

You need not have a farm to find a best friend at CAA, these are among the companion animals currently available for adoption.

	Cuddles (Catio 11) is a beautiful adult calico.
	Mitzie (foster) is a little chunk of love, who is a bundle of energy and fun. This mastiff/labrador mix is going to be a big girl. She already weighs 17 pounds at eight weeks. She likes to chase a ball and play with her siblings; but, she absolutely loves her Kong. For more information, email her foster at [email protected].
	Speckles (#33711) looks like she has a speckles of paint across her muzzle. She also has a blue “sparkle speckle” in her right eye. This cute Australian shepherd/Catahoula leopard dog mix is definitely one of a kind! While she seems a little shy at first, this pretty girl gradually warms up to new friends.
	Cliff (Catio 12) is a handsome large, adult short-haired boy.
	Moxie (#31688) is a young lady who loves life. This labrador/terrier mix plays well with other dogs and adores being petted. While at the shelter, she has lost some hair due to stress. But, she will regrow a beautiful coat, once she is in a stress-free environment.
	Morgan (Kittio) is an adolescent golden tabby with beautiful green eyes.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Friends of the Animals, friendsoftheanimalsbr.org.