Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation has launched a special campaign to raise awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering pets. The cleverly titled “It Takes Balls” initiative is offering grant applications to low-cost spay and neuter programs in Tennessee.
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“Spay and neuter is the best way to keep pets out of overcrowded shelters, to reduce pet homelessness, and to make sure your cats and dogs live happy and healthy lives,” Lambert says in a statement. “Sometimes it literally takes balls to do the right thing. Please spay or neuter your pets!” The program places an emphasis on spay and neuter programs in rural areas.
According to the World Animal Foundation, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in the U.S. every day. The ASPCA reports that more than six million cats and dogs are placed in shelters in the U.S. every year, with nearly one million of them euthanized, often because of overcrowding.
“We especially encourage low-cost spay and neuter clinics in rural Tennessee that serve multiple counties to apply, and we hope to expand the program beyond Tennessee soon,” Lambert adds. Applications are open until September 15. Fans can also purchase an “It Takes Balls” T-shirt through Lambert’s website.
MuttNation and Tractor Supply recently teamed up to award $250,000 to shelters around the U.S., surprising one shelter in each of the 50 states with a $5,000 grant. Among the criteria, they looked for shelters catering to senior dogs and those that have special needs.
“These grants give us the chance to show our appreciation and spotlight shelters across the country for their hard work, year-round, to improve the lives of shelter pets,” Lambert said at the time. “We’re so proud to partner with Tractor Supply on this and other programs, allowing us to elevate our goals and increase the number of animals’ lives we can change.”
Photo Courtesy of Miranda Lambert/Essential Broadcast Media
