4880281 ACR 20-178, “Washington Animal Rescue League 100th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2014”
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
20-178
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
April 8, 2014
To recognize and honor the Washington Animal Rescue League on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its founding.
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League was founded on March 31, 1914, as the first-ever animal shelter in the District of Columbia for stray and abused dogs, cats, and horses;
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League originally provided free veterinary care and held annual food drives for those who could not afford care or food for their pets or service animals;
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League outgrew its space on Capitol Hill and moved to 71 Oglethorpe Street, N.W., in Ward 4 in 1977, adding a medical center in 1996 to serve the shelter’s animals and those pets of low-income clients;
WHEREAS, the medical center now serves some 7,000 animals annually;
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League undertook a major renovation in 2006 that resulted in it becoming one of the world’s premier and progressive animal rescue and rehabilitation centers;
WHEREAS, this renovation included moving away from steel bar and concrete cages to glass-enclosed dog dens and cat condos;
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League was named one of the United States’ Top Ten Emergency Placement Partners by the Humane Society of the United States, won its division of the national ASPCA Adoption Challenge, and set a record for adopting 2,000 animals, all in 2013;
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League, which evolves continually to remain at the forefront of animal welfare, plans a future expansion that will increase its sheltering ability by more than 100%;
WHEREAS, in its 100 years of service to the District of Columbia, the Washington Animal Rescue League has rescued, cared for, and adopted over 100,000 animals;
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League’s mission to foster a human-animal bond is accomplished by having the region’s only full-service medical center and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who not only treat the temporary residents of the shelter, but also serve as the veterinary resource for area residents who struggle to financially afford veterinary care for their pets;
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League offers discounted medical care for income-qualified residents, low-cost vaccinations and spay/neuter services, and a Pet Food Bank for those who cannot afford to feed their pets;
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League is a private, nonprofit organization operating entirely on donations and accepting no government funds or tax dollars; and
WHEREAS, the Washington Animal Rescue League celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding on March 31, 2014, with a celebration at its headquarters.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA That this resolution may be cited as the “Washington Animal Rescue League 100th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2014”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the many accomplishments and humane works of the Washington Animal Rescue League on the 100th anniversary of its founding.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
