“Many of the animal shelters we work with have as high as a 70 percent euthanasia rate, but more than an 80 percent adoption rate for animals that are spayed or neutered,” said Bushby, also a professor emeritus. “The generous grant from The HSUS will help us continue to provide students with surgical skills, and help us work to resolve the homeless animal issue in our communities. Along with the surgical experience gained, students leave our program already thinking about how they can make a positive impact in the communities they will practice in.”

The HSUS presented the check on March 30 as part of the 24th annual Animal Care Expo held in New Orleans, La.

“We remain committed to our Gulf Coast partners in the fight to combat pet overpopulation and to prevent the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS.

The HSUS is working with MSU-CVM’s Mobile Veterinary Clinics to help promote animal health at animal shelters in the region. The grant provided to MSU-CVM will provide opportunities for more students to learn more about shelter medicine.

“A priority for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association is to promote the veterinary profession’s involvement in improving the lives of shelter animals,” said Melissa Rubin, vice president of the animal care centers and veterinary services for The HSUS. These grants help promote awareness among veterinary students and also foster the field of shelter medicine, which is so critical to ensuring that animals in shelters receive quality medical care.”

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MSU, Mississippi's flagship research university, is online at www.msstate.edu, meridian.msstate.edu, facebook.com/msstate, instagram.com/msstate, pinterest.com/msstate and twitter.com/msstate.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated most effective by our peers. For 60 years, we have celebrated the protection of all animals and confronted all forms of cruelty. We are the nation’s largest provider of hands-on services for animals, caring for more than 100,000 animals each year, and we prevent cruelty to millions more through our advocacy campaigns. Read more about our 60 years of transformational change for animals and people, and visit us online at humanesociety.org.

The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association was formed as a home for veterinary professionals who want to join together to speak out for animals, engage in direct care programs for animals in need, and educate the public and others in the profession about animal welfare issues. The HSVMA is an affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States.

Media Contact: Karen Templeton, MSU - (662) 325-1100