Shreve donates to animal nonprofits after campaign promise

By JILL SHERIDAN Jefferson and Mary Shreve announce a $150,000 gift for animals. (Jill Sheridan/WFYI A former mayoral candidate has donated funds to help improve animal care in Indianapolis. The gift comes from Jefferson Shreve, who vowed to give his mayoral salary to the effort if elected. A $100,000 gift, about the equivalent of the mayor’s salary, will go to Friends of Indy Animals. The nonprofit supports Indianapolis Animal Care Services, IACS, the city’s animal shelter. Shreve said this money will be spent on priority needs. “[It] will be earmarked specifically for 24-hour emergency vet support, which is their most critical need as animals are injured or come in injured and need that care that’s the most acute need,” Shreve said. The current IACS building is experiencing overcrowding, and construction on a new building is& delayed.& During his campaign, Shreve highlighted issues at the shelter and pledged to make animal services a priority. Five other animal nonprofits will each receive $10,000 gifts, including Lucci’s House Bully Rescue. In October, founder Laurie Collins signed onto a letter urging city leaders to address the& dire situation. She said she’s still frustrated. “If there was truly going to be action why hasn’t it...