In Wood County alone "approximately 3,500 cats and dogs are subject to euthanasia due to overpopulation," said Deborah Powell, who served as a board member for the Humane Society of Parkersburg at the time of this fund's creation. To address the problem of overpopulation, the Humane Society of Parkersburg established a low cost spay and neuter program in 1991. This successful program continues through the present.

Recognizing the need for this important program, Mrs. Powell wanted to ensure that ongoing support was available in order to save many cats and dogs from euthanasia. Through a gift, Mrs. Powell, and her husband William Powell, established the Deborah B. Powell Humane Society of Parkersburg Spay/Neuter Fund. The fund is administered as an endowment fund, with only the earnings used to support the spay and neuter program.