The Missouri Department of Agriculture recognized the Perry Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.), Inc. for their efforts to provide low cost spay and neuter services. Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler presented Rhonda Henderson, president of P.A.W.S., Inc. a $2,000 grant from the Missouri Pet Spay and Neuter program Thursday afternoon in Perryville.

"Missouri's animal care organizations efforts to reduce pet overpopulation are very important to our hometown communities," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "By focusing on animal shelters and low-cost spay neuter initiatives, including charitable organizations, we are making a difference for animals that may have otherwise gone without this veterinary care."

P.A.W.S., Inc. was one of 10 Missouri organizations awarded a grant for $2,000 to aid their efforts to provide spay and neuter services to low income individuals and to subsidize the cost of operations for adoptions at local animal shelters and rescue groups. They currently work with local veterinarians to provide the low-cost services. The group was founded in 2008.

The Pet Spay and Neuter program is funded through sales of the "I'm Pet Friendly" license plates through the Missouri Department of Revenue. Each sale of the plate donates $20 to the Missouri Pet Spay & Neuter Fund, which is administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Applications for grant funds are accepted each winter.

For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit mda.mo.gov.

Note: Photos are available online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/moagriculture/sets/72157630557250940/.