SALT LAKE CITY — Liberty Park was packed with dogs and their owners Saturday as Best Friends Animal Society held its 27th annual Strut Your Mat fundraiser.
Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, said the event was held to raise funds to help Utah become a no-kill state.
“There are 59 shelters in Utah, but only 11 remain to reach zero kill,” Castle said. “That’s incredible progress.”
Despite the cold weather caused by recent weather, about 1,500 people came to the fundraiser to walk their dogs and raise money for pets at Utah shelters, Castle said. Last year’s fundraiser raised up to $55,164, according to the BFAS website.
Mr Castle said funds raised will also be donated to BFAS, rescue organizations and BFAS shelter partners. She said the funds will be used to rescue, adopt, transport, provide medical needs and care for the animals.
Above all, BFAS’ hope is to find homes for animals.
“The best place for an animal is at home,” Castle said. “And that’s what we’re all about: helping shelter pets get out of shelters and into great homes.”
Adopt a rescued pet
Castle said she feels like there was a misconception about rescued pets in the past.
“I think there used to be a misconception that protected animals were being harmed in some way,” Castle said. “I feel like somehow they know they’ve been rescued.”
Now, Castle said she feels people think rescued pets are cool.
“When I started working in Utah 27 years ago, 45,000 animals were dying every year. That number is down to 1,600. That’s amazing progress,” Castle said. said. “These are animals who are beautiful, loving, caring, intelligent beings who deserve good homes. Anyone who has rescued a pet understands that. That’s why we do what we do. It is.”
People looking to adopt an animal can visit bestfriends.org to find a shelter or rescue group near them.
Related:
Uintah County Animal Shelter Meets Challenge: Transforming Utah into a No-Kill Shelter Nation
Canine parvovirus reported in Weber County, shelter cancels adoptions
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