Press Packet
For class Education Project only
Included: News release, media list and email pitch
Memphis Humane Society
1256 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38134
901-555-1212
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sara Stiles
University of North Texas
Memphis Humane Society offers free rabies vaccinations
(MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Nov. 5, 2020) The Memphis Humane Society is offering free rabies vaccinations on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 in an effort to slow the recent citywide outbreak of the disease.
The event will take place at the clinic from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for dogs only. The clinic will also offer additional doctor-recommended vaccines for distemper and Bordetella for $9 each.
“The Memphis Humane Society is hopeful that this free clinic will slow the spread of the current outbreak in our city,” said Clinic Director Julia Villarreal. “We want our community to be healthy.”
The rabies outbreak in downtown Memphis started around October 5. So far, 12 stray dogs and nine family pets have been infected and euthanized. The official source is unknown, but animal control authorities believe it stems from raccoons that have been resting in abandoned homes. Residents also say raccoons were seen acting abnormal in neighborhoods during the day.
“It’s not unusual to see raccoons out during the day,” said Louis Crutchfield, spokesperson for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. “It doesn’t mean they’re sick or dangerous. They may be out simply foraging for food.”
However, raccoons exhibiting daytime activity paired with abnormal behavior should be reported to local authorities. Crutchfield also suggests securing all trash receptacles and not feeding the raccoons or other wildlife.
Rabies vaccinations are required by law, and dogs need them every three years. 150 free vaccinations are available for the event on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who can’t attend the free clinic, Memphis Humane Society offers $12 rabies shots by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information about the free event, or to make a vaccination appointment, contact the clinic at 901-555-1212.
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About Memphis Humane Society
Founded in 1975, Memphis Humane Society is a nonprofit serving the Greater Memphis area. It offers affordable pet healthcare services for pet owners, and its mission is to reduce pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare in the community.
Media List
89.9 WEVL - Brian Craig
Reporter’s Beat/Section: Program Director
Contact: 901-528-0560 or briancraig@wevl.com
Why they’d be interested: WEVL is a community-based media outlet, with only two paid staff members and the rest of the operations run by volunteers. Since we are promoting a community event, both staff and listeners of this outlet would likely be interested in the clinic.
The Memphis Flyer - Bruce VanWyngarden
Reporter’s Beat/Section: Editor
Contact: brucev@memphisflyer.com
Why they’d be interested: This weekly print magazine is a local favorite, especially for local event listings. Readers of this magazine would be interested in our upcoming event and where to find more information on it. The Flyer recently held a virtual pet adopt-a-thon on its Facebook page, which would indicate that the outlet and its audience both care about pets.
Fox 13 Memphis - Dominique Dillon
Reporter’s Beat/Section: Community Impact “reporting on the stories that matter most to people throughout the area”
Contact: Dominique.Dillon@fox13memphis.com
Why they’d be interested: Ms. Dillon said she looks forward to reporting the stories that matter most to the community members, and she covers many community-impact stories. Because of this, her viewers would likely be interested in this story that impacts most dog owners in the area.
WMC 5 - Greg Phillips
Reporter’s Beat/Section: News Director
Contact: gphillips@wmctv.com
Why they’d be interested: Another local news station would likely cover the event due to the high-impact the rabies outbreak likely has on the city as a whole. The station includes a page on its website dedicated to stories about pets, so viewers would likely appreciate information on this event.
WREG 3 - Joneé Lewis
Reporter’s Beat/Section: Weekend Anchor/Reporter
Contact: jonee.lewis@wreg.com
Why they’d be interested: Ms. Lewis is a reporter for Memphis’ channel 3 news, WREG. Her recent stories include a lot of community-based information and updates.
Email Pitch
To: Brian Craig, Program Director 89.9 WEVL; briancraig@wevl.com
Subject: Memphis Humane Society offers free rabies vaccinations amidst citywide outbreak
Dear Mr. Craig,
My name is Sara Yusuf, and I am reaching out on behalf of the Memphis Humane Society. We are a nonprofit focused on reducing animal overpopulation and improving animal welfare in the greater Memphis community.
As you may be aware, there has been a rabies outbreak in downtown Memphis that has led to the euthanization of several stray and family animals. In response to this recent outbreak, The Memphis Humane Society is offering free rabies vaccinations for dogs on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
89.9 WEVL is a voice for the city led by our very own community members. I feel as though your listeners and staff would be very interested in this free clinic, as so many members of the local Memphis area are affected by this outbreak and may need this resource.
Please let me know if you’d be interested in speaking more about this event. You can reach me anytime at 901-555-1212.
Best regards,
Sara Stiles
