Grants for animal shelters

Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is offering grants of $10,000 or less to shelters and other organizations that work to prevent cruelty to animals.  The agency will allocate $175,000 for the purpose next year and is accepting proposals through Nov. 10.  Registered animal control and animal protection shelters can apply for funds to help increase the adoption rate of sterilized dogs and cats and to enforce anti-cruelty laws.  Grants also could be awarded to train animal control officers, increase the percentage of dogs and cats that are altered when adopted, provide education and training on anti-cruelty laws and proper animal care, and buy needed equipment for such programs.   (AP)