American Humane Gives Emergency Grant to Texas Animal Shelter Devastated By Fire

Centex Humane Society in Killeen, Texas, to Rebuild After Fire Killed More Than 100 Animals

Denver (November 3, 2009)

After a devastating fire at Centex Humane Society’s Second Chance Animal Shelter in Killeen, Texas, the American Humane Association is helping provide care for the surviving animals by providing the shelter with an emergency $1,000 grant from its Animal Protection Division. The fire has drawn much community support and many volunteers to the shelter, but the shelter’s main need at the moment is money.

The fire began Sunday morning and is believed to be electrical in nature, possibly originating from an appliance in the kitchen of the Second Chance Animal Shelter. None of the animals were burned, but one-third of the shelter’s animal population died from smoke inhalation. Twelve animals that survived the blaze had to be euthanized because of injuries they suffered, something that was extremely difficult for workers and volunteers to deal with.

“We are very saddened by this tragedy and hope that our grant will help them with some of the expenses they face,” said Debrah Schnackenberg, vice president of American Humane’s Animal Protection Division. “We know they are working toward having a sprinkler system installed and we believe that all shelters should be equipped with sprinkler systems, so tragedies like this can be avoided.”

American Humane is currently seeking additional funds to be able to provide grants; grants are available based on resources and the generosity of the organization’s donors. Learn more about how to donate online at www.americanhumane.org/donate.

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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