South Arkansas Pantry Fillers announced Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS) as their Pantry of the Month with April being Animal Cruelty Prevention Month.
Union County Judge Mike Loftin, in a proclamation signed Monday, declared “April 2018 as Animal Cruelty Prevention Month in Union County.
There will be a food drive at Petsense from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 14. The goal is to have 3,600 pounds of animal food donated, which is how much UCAPS uses per month.
The food drive is sponsored by South Arkansas Pantry Fillers, Petsense, Iron Temple Gym and Primm for Coroner.
Orange ribbons are also available for purchasing for $10 per ribbon.
“We would love to see the city in a sea of orange,” said Amy Thomason, committee member of both UCAPS and South Arkansas Pantry Fillers.
All About Flowers Florist Shop donated the orange ribbons for the cause.
Loftin said the mission of UCAPS is to promote and develop a positive, respectful and caring bond between people and animals everywhere.
“(UCAPS) supports activities that bring people and their pets together in a harmonious and safe relationship,” Loftin said. “The aim and objective of (UCAPS) is to educate the public as to the needs of their pets and to provide information on the proper care and treatment of animals.”
UCAPS also urges the enforcement of existing animal cruelty laws and hopes to make the public more aware of the laws in hope of eliminating cruelty to all animals.
They provide homes for unwanted, abandoned or stray animals and work towards the adoption of those animals to loving and caring families. They also encourage the spaying and neutering of animals to reduce overpopulation.
“(I) call upon all residents to report the abuse and cruelty of all animals to the local authorities,” Loftin said.
For information on purchasing an orange ribbon or donating food, contact Thomason at 870-918-6638.
Kaitlyn Rigdon can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].