Our Mission
LAPS will provide shelter for homeless, adoptable dogs and cats in Laredo and Webb County until they can be successfully adopted into permanent homes; address the dog and cat overpopulation crisis by helping to provide affordable spay/neuter services to the community; and, working to eliminate animal cruelty and neglect through education.
Our History
The Animal Protective Society, now known as The Laredo Animal Protective Society (LAPS), began in the 1950's when local animal lovers realized that the stray animal population was outgrowing the back yard space of Ella and Jennie Devine, the primary organizers. A block of land in the mostly vacant area of west Laredo was purchased by the sisters and the two devoted animal lovers began their dedication to take care of all the unwanted abandoned animals of Laredo. Erineo Barboza was one of the first to be hired to help, he would begin the day answering phone calls to pick up strays during the day and return to the shelter to feed the new guest. Meat markets would donate scraps, which would be cooked in large cauldrons.
the shelter was first operated with private donations. For many years, the Animal Protective Society, the Laredo/Webb County Health Department and local veterinarians operated neighborhood street corner“vacunas” throughout the city, offering rabies vaccinations to pets brought by their owners. The city continued to grow and in the 1970’s there was a serious rabies outbreak. The first leash law was passed and the City of Laredo and Webb County united with the Laredo Animal Protective Society, to manage the impound facility.
The City of Laredo , Webb County and Laredo Animal Protective Society worked together side by side for many years trying to find homes for all the abandoned animals of Laredo . As the community continued to grow, the decision was made by LAPS in the fall of 2011 that they must part from the role of the City Pound and the City of Laredo must assume that role. As of June 1, 2012, this was accomplished.
LAPS reverted to its original role as a private humane society. Currently the LAPS shelter is undergoing much-needed renovation. With the kind donations of the community, LAPS will continue providing care for the stray, abandoned or unwanted domestic animals throughout Laredo and Webb County . LAPS is dedicated to helping sponsor spaying and neutering, placing as many adoptable animals as possible into good homes, returning lost pets to original owners and educating school children and the general public in the important role in becoming responsible pet owners
the shelter was first operated with private donations. For many years, the Animal Protective Society, the Laredo/Webb County Health Department and local veterinarians operated neighborhood street corner“vacunas” throughout the city, offering rabies vaccinations to pets brought by their owners. The city continued to grow and in the 1970’s there was a serious rabies outbreak. The first leash law was passed and the City of Laredo and Webb County united with the Laredo Animal Protective Society, to manage the impound facility.
The City of Laredo , Webb County and Laredo Animal Protective Society worked together side by side for many years trying to find homes for all the abandoned animals of Laredo . As the community continued to grow, the decision was made by LAPS in the fall of 2011 that they must part from the role of the City Pound and the City of Laredo must assume that role. As of June 1, 2012, this was accomplished.
LAPS reverted to its original role as a private humane society. Currently the LAPS shelter is undergoing much-needed renovation. With the kind donations of the community, LAPS will continue providing care for the stray, abandoned or unwanted domestic animals throughout Laredo and Webb County . LAPS is dedicated to helping sponsor spaying and neutering, placing as many adoptable animals as possible into good homes, returning lost pets to original owners and educating school children and the general public in the important role in becoming responsible pet owners
