The Real League for Animal Welfare

The Real League for Animal Welfare We are a 501C3 organization for the welfare of dogs and cats that are in need of a loving family An energetic new board of directors has been appointed, too.

The League for Animal Welfare (LAW) has a long and storied history. Recent chapters in that story include times of tumult and controversy, but we are confident that the new leadership and vision now guiding the organization will allow us to achieve our mission: Preserving the lives and dignity of companion animals. LAW is a no-kill shelter that provides temporary housing and care for abandoned, st

ray, or surrendered dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and other animals. The shelter was founded in Anniston in 1984 by a group of {retired?} members of the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) as a humane alternative to other shelters in the area, which had extremely high kill rates. Initially, LAW only had the financial resources to open for adoptions on Sundays, while volunteers cared for the animals the rest of the week. Over time, though, the WACs running LAW saw that the community was in desperate need of more of its services, and in the 1990s the shelter transitioned to being open seven days a week and staffed by paid employees. Five years ago, Heather Wilson came on board as part of LAW’s kennel staff. The former corrections officer had previously taken time out of the workforce to become a full-time mom to her four children, but as they grew up and became more independent, Wilson had a revelation. “It’s my time,” she thought to herself. “Now I'm going to do something that I’ve always wanted to do.” Wilson grew up surrounded by animals—her mother owned a pet store—and a new direction for her life seemed obvious. “Animals are my passion,” she says, “so I found an application for the League and applied for a job.”

Wilson’s passion and commitment quickly became obvious to LAW’s board, who named her interim director of the facility when that position became open in 2020, eventually making the appointment permanent. It was a challenging time to assume oversight of LAW, with COVID-19 raging. Adoptions could only be conducted by appointment and donations dried up. “They were almost non-existent,” recalls Wilson, “but we managed to stay afloat.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic eased, donations to LAW improved. In 2021, 338 dogs and 212 cats were adopted from LAW, while in 2022, 200 dogs and 120 cats left the facility. Another major event occurred in 2022: Wilson purchased the property, declaring that LAW would remain a no-kill, nonprofit facility. Wilson and the board are passionate about the LAWs success. They will oversee the business and ensure the LAW receives support and resources needed to thrive and be the best animal shelter in Annison!

08/16/2023

To update everyone, we have officially as of this afternoon closed the doors to the League for good. We will no longer be accepting animals or donations. We appreciate all the support from our followers and couldn't have done what we did without any of you. Thank you all.

08/13/2023

With the recent family medical emergency that has taken place, we will be cancelling the pet adoption event at Pickettes this Saturday. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you’re interested in adopting any of our animals please let us know.

As a reminder we have had volunteers helping to feed the animals in our care and clean the facility and kennels. We are grateful for their support.

Secondly- comments have been turned off as we are unable to respond to them at this time. If you have questions feel free to PM or call us.

Thank you for your continued understanding during this challenging time.

Y’all! We have a scammer! Please do not purchase!!! We have blocked this person and are working to close comments!!! Ple...
08/11/2023

Y’all! We have a scammer! Please do not purchase!!! We have blocked this person and are working to close comments!!! Please notify your credit cards if you purchased and update passwords if you clicked links!!!

Dear all- we appreciate the outpouring of love and concern, both for the  family with health issues and the animals of t...
08/10/2023

Dear all- we appreciate the outpouring of love and concern, both for the family with health issues and the animals of the shelter.

During this time we would like you to know....and ask for....

1. The animals in our care ARE being ATTENDED too! We have a director, volunteers, and board members that are stepping in to ensure each animal is cared for daily.

2. If you have questions or concerns, please PM us. We will respond as we can.

3. It will be challenging during this time to respond to everyone. Please respect the owners and operators of the League at this time. There was a medical emergency and we need to RESPECT their privacy.

4. Please do not call the office unless it is absolutely necessary. Due to being short staffed our main focus and goal is the animals in our care. We will still be adopting the animals out and working with rescues and other resources to adopt all animals out.

5. We appreciate all of you. If there is nothing nice to say during this time...you will be BLOCKED from our page.

6. The page is being monitored regulary and we appreciate your patience as we navigate the next few weeks.

7. We are selling the PROPERTY- NOT the BUSINESS.

Thank you again for your care and concern.

It is with great sadness that we have to sell the shelter (property) Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances (family ...
08/10/2023

It is with great sadness that we have to sell the shelter (property) Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances (family health concerns) we are unable to continue operating once we find homes for all our current pets. If you are interested or know someone who is interested in purchasing the shelter/ property please send a message.

In addition we would like to share our sincere gratitude for each and everyone of you who has stood by us, supported us financially, by gift, and by love. We can’t stress how much we appreciate you and how sad we are that we can’t be here to continue our mission.

08/10/2023

Ok guys we are running low on cat litter is there anyone who could help us get some, any brand or type welcome we are not picky.

It’s  ! Did you know the month of August is National Dog Month? Created to help celebrate birthdays of adopted dogs? Dog...
08/10/2023

It’s ! Did you know the month of August is National Dog Month? Created to help celebrate birthdays of adopted dogs?

Dogs are the number one pet in America. And there’s a reason for that. They offer a number of health benefits to their families, including making us happier, less stressed and more optimistic! So celebrate your adopted pup and if you don’t have one, call to schedule a meet and greet with the loveable dogs at our shelter!

August is the perfect month to consider adopting a new best friend.

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/new-month-proclamation-national-dog-month-august

Okay yall here is some info. Even if you dont need these but can purchase 1 or more please do so and bring them to us, w...
08/09/2023

Okay yall here is some info. Even if you dont need these but can purchase 1 or more please do so and bring them to us, we can definitely use these!!!
SPAY/NEUTER SNIP-IT TICKETS
Ohatchee, Oxford, and Jacksonville residents get an additional $15 off the "All other municipalities" cost thanks to their city officials.

***READ details at:
https://www.calhouncounty.org/animal/snipit.html

Here are a few of our cats and kittens. All of these babies are ready for adoption now. If you are interested in adoptin...
08/07/2023

Here are a few of our cats and kittens. All of these babies are ready for adoption now. If you are interested in adopting one of them please PM us for more information.

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Anniston, AL

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Who is the League for Animal Welfare?

The League for Animal Welfare was founded with a conversation and a desire to help animals that have been mostly forgotten. In 1985 one of our co-founders, Betty Benson, decided that saving the animals in the Calhoun County, Alabama area was her next mission in life.

Ms. Benson was a leader for women during her extensive career in the United States Army where she enlisted in February of 1949. During her career she worked hard and was able to achieve the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM), while attached to the Women’s Army Corps, which is the highest level an enlisted person can achieve without becoming an officer. Her many Army career assignments include Ft. Devens, Mass., the U. S. Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, N.H., Ft. Ord, CA, Ft. Myer, Va. and the U. S. Army Recruiting CMD in Albany, N.Y. and Des Moines, Iowa. Her overseas assignments included Camp Zama, Japan, The Republic of Vietnam where she was a member of the advanced party to activate the first Women's Army Corps (WAC) Detachment in that country. She also served in Hanau, Germany and Camp Darby, Italy where she was the Post Sergeant Major. CSM Benson attended the U. S. Army first Command Sergeants Major Academy, Ft. Bliss, Texas. Her last duty assignment was at Ft. McClellan, Ala. as the senior enlisted soldier for the Second Basic Training Battalion, U. S. Army MP School and Training Center and she remained until her 30 year mandatory retirement on 30 June 1980.

In 1973 Command Sgt. Maj. Betty Benson graduated with the Class 1 of the Sergeants Major Course where she was the first female to attend the academy. CSM Benson maintained her high level of honor, duty, and drive throughout the rest of her life.

CSM Benson received many award and decorations during her time in the Army including the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Battle Stars, the Bronze Star Medal and the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. While on active duty and after her retirement Betty served as a member of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) Foundation Board where she was very active in helping get the WAC Museum built at Ft. McClelland and was a member of the local chapter of the WAC Veterans Association.