08/28/2018
MSSPA receives coveted Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee grant
The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA), New England’s premier equine rescue and rehabilitation center, today announced its receipt of a $200,000 grant from the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee to support its general operations and its facility expansion project. Ms. Taylor, born and raised in Colorado, lived in Brunswick, Maine and died in 2009 at age 97. Meris J. Bickford, CEO of the MSSPA gratefully acknowledged that Doree Taylor’s remarkable philanthropy helps make the Society’s work possible. The grant funds given to the Society will help pay for the care of abused horses at the MSSPA’s South Windham farm facilities. Although some horses receive sanctuary services, many are available for adoption following their recovery from abuse or neglect. Grant funds given will also help the MSSPA move forward with its $1.8 million facility improvement, titled “Help, Hope, Home.” The project consolidates an indoor training arena and humane education center with administrative offices, serving the horses and the people who care about them. The Society welcomes public visitors each day between 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The mission of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is to provide refuge, rehabilitation, and placement of seized equines, support the placement of surrenders, and educate the public. Its vision is the elimination of equine abuse and neglect.
The Society is unlike any other animal welfare facility in New England. Originally formed in 1872 to protect the horses who pulled Portland’s streetcars, the Society now provides around the clock on-site staffing, has access to veterinary services twenty-four hours a day, and maintains dozens of horses on its farm facilities. Animals who have been seized by Maine’s law enforcement officials and placed by court order with the Society receive re-training and are ultimately offered for adoption. Those not suitable for adoption receive sanctuary services.
A really big check from the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation being received by Wee Man, the smallest equine on the farm
The Help, Hope, Home project early on in 2018
A recent aerial view, making great progress
The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charity and receives no federal, state or local funding. The Society does not charge for its services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source.