LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Dec. 30, 2015) – As the Rescue Waggin’ stopped by Tuesday, Dec. 29, for one last pickup of the year, Little Rock celebrated a record-breaking 2015 that saw 2,661 animals saved through the efforts of the Little Rock Animal Village and its many partners.

“I am extremely proud of our Animal Village staff for working tirelessly to make such a successful year possible,” City Manager Bruce T. Moore said. “We’d like to see even more dogs and cats find forever homes in 2016. I can’t stress enough how important adoptions are – they change the lives of not only the animals but of the people who open their hearts and homes.” 

This year, 1,636 animals were adopted out, while 346 animals were returned home to their owners. Rescue organizations took in 243 animals in 2015, while 436 hopped aboard the PetsMart Charities Rescue Waggin’, bound for new homes.

The previous record of 2,606 animals rescued was set in 2013.

“In 2016, we will continue to explore new partnerships and improvements to save more animals while working on ways to decrease the number of unwanted strays within our great City,” Animal Village Manager Tracy Roark said. “This year, we saw 814 cats and kittens adopted, a new record and encouraging sign that tells us we are on the right track.”

Other highlights from 2015 include grants for flea and tick preventives, a grant for Joey’s Playroom, in honor of Joey the Garden Cat, and a successful birthday Paw-ty that saw the dedication of a new sculpture at the front entrance to Animal Village.

The new year will get off to a strong start, with the Rescue Waggin’ returning Monday, Jan. 4. Canines selected for the program are transported to destination places to be adopted, often within days.

Little Rock Animal Village at 4500 Kramer Street features a fully staffed veterinary clinic that regularly hosts low-cost spay and neuter services, an adoption center, five large play yards for dogs, and a learning center where volunteers can promote animal welfare and public safety initiatives. The village receives supplemental financial and promotional support from Friends of the Animal Village, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing pet adoptions in Little Rock. 

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