APL Begins Recovery After Storm Damage

The Animal Protective League in Springfield is relocating animals and beginning recovery efforts after severe storms Wednesday night into Thursday morning caused extensive damage to its shelter campus, leaving its primary facilities unusable.

The storms caused damage across portions of the Springfield area, including the Animal Protective League property on the city’s north side. Shelter officials reported that the organization’s main shelter building and spay and neuter clinic sustained major structural damage and are considered a total loss.

Despite the destruction, all animals housed at the facility were safely accounted for, and no injuries to pets were reported.

In the immediate aftermath of the storms, staff, volunteers and local agencies began relocating approximately 155 animals from the property. Nearly 50 animals were taken by Sangamon County Animal Control to assist the Animal Protective League.

In a social media post APL officals said, "Thank you to everyone who has reached out, donated, fostered, and offered support. The outpouring of help from our community has been incredible, and we are so grateful. Every helping hand makes a difference!"

Staff also began coordinating temporary arrangements to continue animal care and shelter operations while recovery plans move forward.

The Animal Protective League said maintaining the safety and well-being of the animals was the first priority as crews assessed conditions at the damaged facility and worked to stabilize operations.

The nonprofit animal welfare agency provides shelter, medical care, adoptions and other services. With normal operations disrupted, staff began evaluating options for housing animals and continuing services at alternate locations.

Community support efforts quickly followed as residents looked for ways to assist through donations, fostering and other forms of aid. The Animal Protective League has established an online donation page for those who wish to contribute to recovery and ongoing animal care efforts at https://www.apl-shelter.org/donate.

While recovery efforts continue, shelter officials emphasized that the animals remain safe and under care as plans are developed for longer-term operations and rebuilding.