Q1 2019 Report

The Fund made grants to four programs during the first quarter of 2019 – and these programs made history for animals.

1 – The Fund renewed its support for White Coat Waste Project (WCW) for the third consecutive year. This quarter, a WCW coalition ended 37 years of U.S. Department of Agriculture toxoplasmosis studies which killed more than 3,000 kittens. The coalition, including a bipartisan group of over 50 U.S. Congresspeople, also secured a USDA commitment to adopt out 14 surviving cats. This important victory was covered on April 2 by NBC News and NPR, among others.

2 – Greg and I began providing major support in 2014 to PETA’s Campaign to End Racehorse Cruelty, and this quarter the Fund renewed its support. After 23 horse deaths at Santa Anita Park, PETA successfully advocated last month for a series of urgent responses — including a ban on whips and race-day medications, and an investigation by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. This story has been covered in many news articles, including an April 1 New York Times piece. (Photo by Irene Abdou: My rescued racehorses Charlie (l) and Henry.)

3 – Greg and I commenced major support in 2013 for PETA’s Community Animal Project (CAP) — and since 2016, it has been the Fund’s top grantee. CAP provides free and low-cost sterilization, dog houses, and many other services in low-income Virginia and North Carolina communities. It has provided years of testimony and public education supporting Virginia statewide legislation for backyard dogs. SB 1025, a bill mandating improved shelter and space, passed the legislature this quarter–and is now on the Governor’s desk. (Photo: with Elizabeth, a former chained dog – rescued by PETA, adopted out through partnership with the Norfolk SPCA.)

4 – Greg and I were longtime supporters of Northern California Animal Place — and now, for the fourth consecutive year, the Fund has renewed support for Animal Place’s Food for Thought Program Wildlife & Environmental arm. In collaboration with another private donor, this quarter the program made Event Grants to SanDiego350 and Northern Virginia Wildlife Rescue League for pilot vegan events. We also raised the maximum Policy Grant to $1,000 for each qualifying organization that passes a vegan menu policy. (Photo: SanDiego350 Party for the Planet.)