About Animal Rescue League of El Paso
History
While trying to rescue a neighborhood stray that had been picked up by animal services, Loretta Hyde accidentally came across a storage freezer containing hundreds of animals that had been recently euthanized. To add to her horror, she was informed that the euthanizing process often occurred twice a day. Loretta knew then that she had to do something to make a change in the community and in 1995 she started Animal Rescue League of El Paso, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter.
In the time since, ARLEP has rescued an estimated 1,200 animals each year and extended their reach from Las Cruces, NM to Fabens, TX, sometimes going further in the event of natural disasters such as hurricanes. ARLEP community programs include pet vaccination clinics, annual adoption events, ARLEP Play for Paws (formerly known as Rescue Runners) and the PAWS Program — a program for low-risk inmates at the county jail that results in trained, adoptable dogs and inmates with job skills and newfound confidence.
ARLEP’s profound community impact and commitment to its mission has sparked national notice from organizations like National Geographic, which filmed an episode of Dog Town, USA at the shelter, and a visit from renowned dog trainer, César Millan.
Animal rescue is a full-time, year-round effort that’s made possible by the generosity of the community. ARLEP is governed by a volunteer board and managed by a small group of full-time staff. The operations are sustained by volunteers, grants and donations.
Contact ARLEP to find out how you can join the lifesaving work and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals.
Mission
We serve stray, abandoned, orphaned, injured and abused companion animals by providing medical care and shelter in times of need, locating lifelong homes, and promoting responsible pet guardianship through education, legislation and sterilization.