Cornell University has announced a $30 million gift from Margaret and Richard Riney in support of a center dedicated to research that advances canine health.

Awarded through the Margaret and Richard Riney Family Foundation, the gift will accelerate the launch of the Cornell Margaret and Richard Riney Canine Health Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition, it will endow an internal grants program for canine health-related research, with emphasis on studying cancer, genetics and genomics, infectious diseases, and immunology and endow key strategic faculty positions to aid in the recruitment of leading researchers who will help develop the center’s strategic vision. The center also aims to become a resource for individuals who care about dogs through special events, citizen science programs, and clinical trials.

“We are very pleased to see the vision of the Cornell Margaret and Richard Riney Canine Health Center coming to fruition,” said Lorin D. Warnick (PhD, ’94), the Austin O. Hooey dean of veterinary medicine. “Through the Rineys’ visionary support, faculty and staff dedicated to canine health throughout the College of Veterinary Medicine and across the university will join together to advance research, discovery, and public engagement to help dogs live longer, healthier, and happier lives. This effort will also benefit veterinary care for other species and support the college’s work impacting human and public health.”

“We know personally the importance and benefits of the relationships humans form with animals, especially with our pets,” said Richard Riney. “We wanted to support far-ranging research initiatives that may help dogs live their best lives, while recognizing that research into the canine condition can help to advance human medicine.”

(Photo credit: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine)