Animal Lovers Unite at the University of Alabama
Bama P.A.W.S. promote animal welfare and safety through volunteerism and education
By Amanda Ligon

     They tried before, but failed. Members of “T-Town P.A.W.S.” (People for Animal Welfare and Safety), a non-profit organization that promotes animals’ well being through volunteerism, education, and a spay/neuter program, were unsuccessful in starting Bama P.A.W.S. at the University of Alabama four years ago. Last fall, another student and I made Bama P.A.W.S. happen. The organization now has more than 100 active members, and an additional 250 signed up at the beginning of the Fall 2001 semester. Bama P.A.W.S. also gets students to care for animals through foster programs.
     One of the group’s main projects is helping a local adoption center, Pet Supplies Plus, run by the Animal Coalition of Tuscaloosa. We’ve arranged for the adoption of 171 homeless animals since the center opened in November 2000. Bama P.A.W.S. members man the adoption room Monday through Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m. They’re the sole employees for the shift. Volunteers’ responsibilities include taking the animals out, cleaning their cages, and answering questions about adoption policies.
     Bama P.A.W.S. also holds adopt-a-thons with animals from our local shelters, and we co-sponsor activities with our parent organization and other student groups. During our “Dirty Dog Dips” fund raiser we wash dogs and apply flea treatment for $7.
     “Pet pageants,” held in conjunction with Bama Red Cross, lets owners show off their animals. We also bring animals from the shelter in hopes of finding them homes. Contestants can enter their pets in one of seven categories, which include best tricks, cutest costume, and best all around.
     In addition, members are in charge of float decorations for annual pet parades in our area. For the West Alabama Christmas Parade, we decorate a big tractor with a different theme every year. The animals ride on the float, while others walk around and behind it. Some of the pets belong to Bama members, but most are from the shelter. During “Cityfest,” a musical festival in downtown Tuscaloosa every May, people dress up their animals and win prizes. By participating in these events, we’re able to raise awareness about our organization.
     We’re planning new projects for the upcoming year including implementing an education program in surrounding schools. Members will lecture to area youth about pet care and the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. Several teachers have already called and asked us to come to their schools.
     T-Town and Bama P.A.W.S. also work together to cut down on animal over-population and the disposal of unwanted pets by offering $20 spaying/neutering procedures. Anyone who wants to spay/neuter a pet can apply for a voucher, which is honored at 12 local vets who bill P.A.W.S. for the procedure. In 2000, T-Town P.A.W.S. spent $30,000 to spay and neuter local pets, and so far this year the amount is $39,000.
     Unfortunately, we have a long way to go in our fight to decrease the number of abandoned and homeless animals euthanized in West Alabama. Last year, our local facility, the Metro Animal Shelter, took in 6,518 animals—418 were redeemed, 1,312 were adopted, and 4,211 were terminated.

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