The Animal Protection League was incorporated in 1990 and recognized as an IRS 501(C3) non-profit charitable enterprise. The organization began as a small group of caring people who were dedicated to the mission of alleviating pet over-population by creating a low-cost spay/neuter program for the area. The program was funded by various small fund-raising projects such as rummage and bake sales.
As the APL worked through the next several years, it became increasingly clear that the demand for services far exceeded the ability of the group to raise the necessary funds. In addition, as the work of the APL became better recognized throughout the region, we received more and more calls asking us to help with various issues related to animal welfare, including pet re-homing services, abuse and neglect reporting, foster care requests, and community education.
By 1992, the Animal Protection League had establish a successful pet placement network which brings people with pets available for adoption together with those looking to adopt. The Network continues to assist in re-homing nearly 800 pets every year.
In 1994, the mission of APL was updated again to include the building and operation of a regional no-kill animal adoption center that was named Homeward Bound. Since that time, the Board of Directors has been working toward building a capital fund to construct and furnish Homeward Bound and an endowment fund to support its continued operation.
Three years later, in 1997, the APL placement network was in full swing and the spay/neuter program was in greater demand than ever. The Animal Protection League presented the first Feline Festival event in celebration of household cats of all kinds. The festival was a great success and continues to be an annual favorite.
In 2004, the first K-9 Karnival was presented in recognition of all dogs and their special qualities. The APL has a full schedule of events designed to promote our work and raise funds.
Our future appears bright, though our tasks are many. We look forward to whatever history has in store. We hope that you will be part of the rest of our story!
