Eagles' Jake Elliott steps up to help 'underdogs' at ACCT Philly
“ACCT Philly houses the real underdogs of Philadelphia,” Elliott wrote. “They are severely underfunded and need your help now.” (Jake Elliott)
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott has a soft spot for the city's underdogs.
On Tuesday, the Illinois native announced he is auctioning off a signed football in a bid to help Philadelphia's Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT).
Elliott’s own rescue pup, Willy, was formerly a stray in West Philadelphia. ACCT Philly was the first shelter that took him in.
“ACCT Philly houses the real underdogs of Philadelphia,” Elliott wrote on Twitter. “They are severely underfunded and need your help now.”
Those who donate to the shelter through Elliott's "Take ACCTion for Philly's Homeless Pets" fundraiser will have the chance to win a football signed by the kicker. The winner will be randomly chosen after Elliott reaches his $4,000 fundraising goal.
Elliott's support comes in the wake of multiple protests held by ACCT Philly advocates, who are calling for additional funding for the city's only open-intake animal shelter.
Supporters say the city does not allocate enough funds for the shelter, resulting in inhumane conditions that negatively impact the animals. Protesters have cited a dire need for a new building due to deplorable living conditions, among other issues.
“The lack of city funding, the dysfunctional, leaking, pest ridden, poor-excuse-for-a-building and the nonexistent fundraising from the ACCT board members are the reasons that ACCT Philly is in such a sad state,” protest organizers said in a statement. “It’s not only sad, it’s inhumane.”
RELATED COVERAGE:
- 'Do Better Philly': ACCT supporters gather for Round 2 of protests
- Head of Philadelphia's only open-intake animal shelter resigns
- ACCT Philly suspends operations amid 'kennel cough' battle
Those who donate to the shelter through Elliott's fundraising page will have the chance to win a football signed by the kicker. (Jake Elliott)
To service the nearly 22,000 animals it takes in each year, ACCT Philly continues to seek additional fosters and volunteers.
As of Wednesday, one dog, four cats and 43 kittens are timestamped for euthanasia. The shelter currently has more than 100 cats and 100 dogs available for adoption.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Current timestamped or high-risk animals: Dogs | Cats
- How to help: Make a pledge | Become a foster | Donate
- Animals available for adoption: Dogs | Cats
- Other resources: Pet owners in need | Lost pets | Pet surrenders
Those interested in helping high-risk animals at ACCT Philly, but cannot commit to adoption or fostering, can pledge donations to urgent dogs and cats through its Love Local Program.
A pledge is a promise to donate to the rescue group that pulls a given animal from ACCT Philly. Individual pledges help accumulate the necessary funding for participating rescue groups to save urgent animals.
Volunteers say that rescues are more likely to pull animals, particularly those with expensive needs, when they see pledges have been made.
Those interested in donating to Elliott's fundraiser can do so here.
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