American Humane Association Second Chance® Fund Grant Gives Life And Hope To ‘Willy’ The Cat

Denver (September 6, 2007)

Although many cats and dogs enjoy a happy life as the family pet, it is an unfortunate reality that others are not so lucky, suffering cruelty, abuse and neglect. Much of the time, the task of rescuing and caring for these unfortunate animals falls to animal shelters and animal welfare agencies, many of which lack the financial resources to provide the costly medical care some animals need and deserve.

American Humane’s Second Chance Fund grants were designed to address this problem, bringing health and hope to animals who, in some cases, might otherwise be euthanized. The much-needed grants help animal care facilities cover medical expenses so that treatable, adoptable animals aren’t kept from experiencing the love and compassion of a forever home.

This summer, American Humane reached out to Willy, a cat who suffered at the hands of humans. Willy was discovered by a volunteer for the Animal Rescue League in Elk Grove, Calif., after the shelter received a call about an injured cat living under a house. The volunteer found Willie, a black cat only a few years old, with a gunshot wound in his left elbow.

Willy had been shot by a .22-caliber rifle that left metal shards in his leg and chest. It was recommended that Willy’s limb be completely amputated to relieve the pain. With care from dedicated shelter workers and the grant from American Humane to help pay for his medical expenses, Willie received the treatment he needed.

Having made a full recovery from his surgery, Willy was put up for adoption in late July. Despite suffering the trauma of a gunshot wound and some encounters with vehicles that left him permanently hairless in places, Willy has proven to be a very affectionate and trusting companion. Unfortunately, police have determined that it will be impossible to solve this case of animal cruelty, but at the very least Willie will never have to experience such abuse again.

For more information about the Second Chance Fund, please visit www.americanhumane.org.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified™ farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food (www.thehumanetouch.org). American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

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