Iowa ARL launches $6 million campaign for new ranch construction and rescue operations

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is launching a new campaign to expand its facilities and improve rescue operations.

ARL is seeking to raise $6 million through its Transforming the Future of Animal Rescue capital campaign, which launched Monday.

“The growing number of animals in need of rescue, especially from large-scale operations, makes this campaign more important than ever,” said Iowa ARL CEO Tom Colvin. “This expansion will allow us to make a difference in the lives of more people and provide even better care for these animals.”

The expanded Kruidenier Second Chance Ranch will allow Iowa ARL to help more horses and barn animals.

The campaign will be carried out in two stages. The first phase focuses on relocating and expanding ARL’s Kruidenier Second Chance Ranch program to a newly acquired 21-acre ranch located just over a mile from ARL’s main campus at 5452 NE 22nd St.

21-acre ranch worth $2 million includes three pastures, a barn with stalls for horses, an indoor and outdoor arena, and a small building for goats, chickens and other small animals.

On site, rescued horses and barn animals will be given increased space and hay storage so ARL can accept large donations of round or square bales.

From 2023: Animal Rescue League to Open New Shelter Twice as Large in Des Moines

The new rehabilitation center will focus on caring for animals injured in large-scale rescue operations, ARL said.

The second phase of the campaign will focus on converting the current barn and arena at ARL’s main campus into a rescue reception and rehabilitation center to house animals affected by large-scale rescue operations.

“ARL is the only animal shelter organization in the state capable of leading large-scale rescue efforts in Iowa’s 99 counties,” the press release states. “Last year alone, ARL assisted law enforcement with nearly 800 investigations of abuse and neglect, resulting in hundreds of rescued animals at the shelter.”

The new rehabilitation center will provide relief for rescued animals and receive medical and behavioral care.

How to Donate to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

To contribute to the Transforming the Future of Animal Rescue campaign, visit ARL-Iowa.org/Transform. For a limited time, all contributions up to $250,000 will be matched.

Cooper Worth is a services and trends reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him at X @CooperAWorth.