After 145 years, the District's two major animal welfare organizations will now serve the nation's capital under a new name revealed at an event on Monday: Humane Rescue Alliance.
The new name, revealed Monday, is the result of a merger between the Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League, which combined operations in February.
"We believe the name Humane Rescue Alliance honors the two predecessor organizations by using the strongest word from each legacy name and represents the strength of the new organization as a bridge from our past to the future," said Lisa LaFontaine, president and CEO of the Humane Rescue Alliance.
The nation's capital is the only major urban area in the country to have all of its animal control protection programs and a wide range of services -- from medical to humane law enforcement to adoption -- unified in one organization, the Humane Rescue Alliance said.
"We're combining our proficiency and knowledge in all aspects of animal care, from providing quality, affordable medical services to creating families with each adoption," LaFontaine said. "Most importantly, we will continue to tenaciously protect and advocate for the animal's in our community and support and celebrate people's love and compassion or them."
The Humane Rescue Alliance serves more than more than 60,000 animals per year, with a 90 percent save rate, the organization said. It maintains two animal care and adoption centers in Washington, D.C., and provides a comprehensive set of animal care services, such as low-cost veterinary care and spay/neuter services.
The new Humane Rescue Alliance logo -- featuring an animal's face with a Capitol dome for a nose -- was developed by Ogilvy Public Relations pro bono, the Humane Rescue Alliance said Monday.
