SMAWL – A BRIEF HISTORY

SMAWL, a membership organization, was founded in 1990 by four wonderful women – Shirley Cobb, Kay Daugherty, Nancy Smith and Effie Snyder for the purpose of furthering the humane treatment of all animals in the County.  We received our 501(c)(3) non-profit designation in 1993.  Since our founding we have expanded some of our outreach programs to citizens of Calvert and Charles Counties.  Here are some of the actions taken by this organization:

Throughout the years, many new volunteers have become members of this organization strengthening its presence in the community and becoming instrumental in accomplishing several other achievements.  Listed below are some of those achievements:

SMAWL members have rescued, rehabilitated and placed thousands of unwanted animals into new and loving homes.  Since this organization’s beginning, the number of unwanted and abandoned animals in St. Mary’s County has been significantly reduced by spaying and neutering all animals before placing them for adoption.  We have educated school children and adults alike on the importance of spaying and neutering animals, which is critical in reducing the overwhelming euthanasia rate in St. Mary’s county.  There is an ongoing and aggressive effort by SMAWL to establish a “no-kill” shelter in St. Mary’s County and to end the problem of animal overpopulation, abuse, neglect and homelessness.