DENVER, July 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Humane Association has awarded the Greater Birmingham Humane Society of Birmingham, Ala., a $4,000 Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant to aid in the construction of their Equine and Large Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Barn, and improve the humane society’s ability to address the needs of large animals.

The construction of the barn is a joint venture between the Greater Birmingham Humane Association and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and will be used to house large animals that have been victims of abuse or neglect. Both the humane society and the sheriff’s office receive numerous reports of large animal abuse each year but, due to a lack of proper facilities for the care of large animals, they have relied on volunteers to take in rescued animals until the legal issues surrounding their seizures are resolved. The humane society hopes that the new facility will help them respond to more reports of cruelty and increase awareness about proper care of large animals.

In addition, the sheriff’s office and humane society can use the barn as temporary housing for horses and livestock during disaster relief efforts such as floods and tornadoes.

“American Humane is proud to help fund this project,” said Debrah Schnackenberg, interim vice president for Animal Protection Services. “The Rescue and Rehabilitation Barn will be an important addition that will greatly increase the ability for the humane society to respond to animals in need. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society is taking a great step to improve the welfare of animals in its community by providing these much-needed facilities.”

The Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant was established in 1969, in memory of Tressa Meacham, to provide financial assistance to agencies for shelter expansion or improvements. The grants are awarded annually by American Humane to qualified animal welfare agencies in order to fund projects that will contribute to the humane treatment of animals at the agencies, and within the agencies’ communities. Several grants are awarded each year to assist with the costs of building, renovating, and equipping shelters to improve the quality of care given to their animals.

About American Humane

The American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Founded in 1877, American Humane is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”(R) End Credit Disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America “Best in America” Seal of Approval, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org to learn more.