Following the controversial emptying of the shelter last month, the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League (VSAWL) announced it intends to combine with the Bristol-based Army's Legacy Animal Rescue and Sanctuary to better serve the animals and community.

On Nov. 13, a press release was posted on the VSAWL Facebook page announcing the intended merger of the two organizations.

“The joint effort would unite VSAWL's established facility at 647 Horse Hill Road in Westbrook with Army's Legacy’s extensive foster network and rescue expertise. Following board approval from both organizations, Army's Legacy will begin a careful transition process, including obtaining necessary additional licensing and completing all required operational steps before assuming full operations at the Westbrook facility,” the post stated in part.

The post stated the benefits of the move include the combination of Army Legacy’s fester network with VSAWL’s physical buildings, an expanded volunteer and donor base, increased expertise in animal welfare and shelter management, an increase in ability to serve the shoreline region, and an increase in services beyond traditional rescue services.

Amanda Armstrong, founder of Army's Legacy, said in the statement, "This represents a transformative opportunity to expand our impact and save more lives. By combining VSAWL's excellent facility and supporting community with our network of supporters and volunteers, we can create a more robust organization capable of serving more animals in need. Our shared commitment to providing second chances for abandoned and neglected animals makes this a natural fit.”

The post notes that the move will be “…supported by VSAWL's current leadership team, including Board members and volunteers, working closely with Army’s Legacy to ensure continuity of operations and preservation of VSAWL's community relationships. “

The update comes after what has been a trying and controversial month for the VSAWL. On Oct. 23, the Harbor News released a story detailing conflicting rumors that had been swirling for weeks about the future of the VSAWL as well as a lack of faith by some board members and staff in the current leaders of the VSAWL Board of Directors.

In that story, former Shelter Director Delilah Lord said she was told to waive animal adoption fees and temporarily stop the intake of new animals. Those moves, Lord said, made it seem like the VSAWL Board of Directors was looking to empty the shelters and potentially close them.

Dottie Wells, the interim president of the VSAWL Board of Directors, said at that time, no decisions had been made about closing the shelter or contracting to sell it. Wells said that some of the rumors spreading about the shelter were not true, but the VSAWL was looking at making a “transition” to better serve the community.

On the afternoon of Oct. 24, Lord contacted the Harbor News to say that animal control was at the site and emptying the shelter. A protest in support of keeping the shelter as part of the community was held on Oct. 28 and was well attended.

Following the protest, some VSAWL employees said they had received no direction or information from the Board of Directors on the status of the shelter or what they should be doing with no animals on site. On Nov. 9, the board announced in a press release that volunteer opportunities had been paused.

“During this transitional period, it is necessary for us to pause our volunteer opportunities as well. Please know that this decision was not made lightly. The board is working tirelessly to evaluate all options, forge strategic partnerships, and develop innovative ideas to strengthen our presence and reach. Our goal is to emerge from this pause as an even more impactful and sustainable organization, better positioned to serve our furry friends and the community,” that post read in part.

Lord said that although she no longer works at VSAWL, she was hopeful the new partnership would be for the best.

“I think the protest helped show the community supported the shelter and did not want to see it closed,” Lord said.

Neither Wells nor Armstrong responded to requests for comment from the Harbor News.

Wells was quoted in the press release as saying, “For over 50 years, VSAWL has served the shoreline community with dedication and compassion. Army's Legacy will ensure that our mission continues and grows stronger. Together, we will be better positioned to serve both the animals in our care and our community's needs."