Valley group focuses on animals in need
Nov 19, 2013, 2:49 PM | Updated: 3:55 pm
One Valley group is focusing on animals that are in the greatest need.
“We’re there to provide safety, medical care and comfort until the animal gets adopted,” HALO Animal Rescue President and CEO Heather Allen told News/Talk 92.3 KTAR’s Bruce St. James Show on Tuesday.
Allen’s shelter has been caring for animals who otherwise would be euthanized for 19 years. She started HALO with her mother out of a garage.
“I loved dogs,” she said. “I wanted to do more to save dogs and cats and the more I got involved and realized how bad the problem was in the community, I couldn’t stop.”
Last year, HALO moved in with the Maricopa County Animal Control location on 27th Avenue to be closer to needy animals.
“Most of the animals there are strays,” said Allen. “They’re strays or someone’s pet they didn’t take care of.”
Allen said about 88,000 animals are brought in between Maricopa County and the Arizona Humane Society annually. More than half of those are euthanized.
As the holidays approach, some think a pet is a great idea for a gift. Allen supports that idea.
“Research actually shows that people retain pets longer when they get them as a gift,” she said, adding that HALO will work with potential adopters to determine which breed would be the best fit for their home or family.
Allen said her biggest need is both volunteers and financial support. To learn more about HALO, go to halorescue.org or call (602) 971-2222.
