DVM is finalist in Animal Planet contest

CUMMING, GA.— Tracy Land is the only veterinarian among 10 finalists vying for Animal Planet's Hero of the Year title.

The contest honors people who have donated time and effort and achieved results for a cause that contributes to animal welfare.

Land, an Atlanta-area companion-animal DVM, was nominated for helping control pet overpopulation. In 1996, she launched a program that has provided more than 55,000 spays or neuters at or below cost to low-income families. She also donates $100,000 in veterinary services to local rescue organizations each year.

Animal Planet will donate $10,000 to an animal-welfare organization of the contest winner's choice, and provides a trip for two to a destination that supports the winner's animal-welfare passion.