Happy Birthday to the Humane Society

This is a day for America's animal lovers to celebrate, as it is the anniversary of the incorporation of the Humane Society of the United States.

On November 22, 1954, the Humane Society’s founders came together to create a nonprofit organization that would confront animal cruelty practices and raise awareness for animal rights. The founders saw the need for an official organization that would actively endorse humane practices and eliminate the cruel treatment of both commercial and domestic animals.

One of the key figures who influenced the core values of the Humane Society was philosopher Albert Schweitzer, who in his 1952 Nobel Peace Prize speech asserted that “compassion, in which ethics takes root, does not assume its true proportions until it embraces not only man but every living being.”

In the seven decades since its founding, the Humane Society has fought for legislation, education, community engagement, and investigative work leading to massive reform in animal rights issues.

From cattle ranches to pet stores, our furry friends everywhere can thank the Humane Society for its devotion to all creatures great and small.