The Animal Defense League of Washington County was established in 1982 by 8 concerned members of the community. They rallied to have the current shelter built (the CC Porter Animal Shelter dedicated in 1986) and made great strides toward animal welfare in this county. By 1995 the group had become fairly inactive, but still sponsored yard sales to help spay and neuter animals in the community and pay for emergency surgery for those in need. In November of 1999 a public meeting was held and the ADL was reinstated.Millions of adoptable but homeless dogs and cats are euthanized annually in the U.S. because of the pet overpopulation problem. In Southwest Virginia alone, 2,376 animals brought to area shelters were euthanized in 2018. Pet sterilization is the ONLY way to stop the senseless killing of these loving creatures.We are an entirely volunteer organization depending on donations and grants.