Commitment to Companionship: Morongo Band of Mission Indians Funds Veterinary Training Initiative

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has decisively affirmed its longstanding dedication to enhancing community welfare by providing a significant $100,000 donation to the Animal Action League. This non-profit organization is devoted to providing low-cost spay, neuter, and vaccination services for cats and dogs within underserved regions of California.

These newly allocated funds are earmarked to fulfill a matching grant that the Animal Action League successfully secured for the acquisition of a customized trailer. This specialized unit is being designed to serve as a mobile training facility for veterinarians, focusing on best practices in high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter procedures. The trailer is scheduled for completion in January 2026 and will serve as the hub for the League’s essential Skills Lab Program, effectively broadening the availability of crucial surgical training.

The Animal Action League, which operates out of Joshua Tree, will utilize this substantial contribution to reach pet owners who frequently encounter barriers—such as prohibitively high costs or lack of transportation—when trying to access essential veterinary services. The donation is a direct alignment with the League’s core mission of reducing pet overpopulation and simultaneously enhancing overall community animal welfare.

Charles Martin, Morongo Tribal Chairman, framed the donation within the Tribe's broader philanthropic philosophy, stating that for Morongo, "giving back means supporting organizations that strengthen our communities and improve quality of life — not just for people, but for the animals who bring us comfort, companionship, and love." He expressed satisfaction in partnering with the Animal Action League to help more families access affordable spay and neuter services, thereby promoting responsible pet ownership and reducing unnecessary suffering among animals.

Since its establishment over thirty years ago, the League has diligently operated spay/neuter clinics and provided affordable microchipping and vaccination services, primarily serving pet owners with limited incomes. Its operational range covers a wide geographic area, including the Coachella Valley, the Morongo Basin, and the communities surrounding the City of Banning.

Melody Farnik, Director of the Animal Action League, conveyed profound gratitude for the Tribe’s support, noting the gift will translate into "healthier pets, fewer strays, and stronger communities." She emphasized that Morongo's backing will directly assist in training more veterinarians in the specialized art of high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter procedures, which will in turn enable the League to serve more families and their pets. It should be noted that earlier this year, the Tribe also supported two free spay and neuter clinics held at the Morongo Community Center in collaboration with the Animal Action League. This recent $100,000 donation is integrated into Morongo’s larger philanthropic efforts across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where the Tribe has provided more than $\$20$ million over the past decade to support non-profit organizations assisting seniors, veterans, youth, and others in need.