| history |
||||||||
| Past, Present, and
Future
After witnessing the brutal beating of a horse on Front Street, Dr.
Thomas Lamb Eliot took action. Gathering a group of 12 prominent Portlanders
on November 17, 1868, he founded one of the first humane animal welfare
organizations in the country. Initially the Society focused on the
plight of draft animals but within a few years advocated for the protection
of children and companion animals. In fact, OHS served as Oregon's
child and animal protection organization from 1881 until 1933. |
|
|||||||
 |
With the understanding that the only way to better the plight of animals was to educate humans about respect and empathy, OHS included humane education in its goals. Since 1883, teaching children responsible stewardship towards all animals has been an integral part of OHS's mission. And this became part of Oregon 's mandate to all children in public school. In 1921, one of OHS founders and state legislator, JK Gill, proposed and saw signed into law that humane education be taught in Oregon public schools. (ORS 336.067(1)(c))
In 1916, OHS took over the city pound but dropped the contract in 1972 due to the contrary goals of the humane society versus the animal control work. Once again, OHS was free to do the work for which it was originally founded. Since that time, OHS has been a stand-alone, non-profit organization, operating a single facility without the assistance of government funding. In 1918, the Society purchased the 10-acre parcel on which it now operates. The original shelter burnt in the late 1930s. In 1939 a new facility was built and housed the shelter's operations for 60 years. In June 2000, the Oregon Humane Society opened the doors to a new state of the art shelter facility.
In February 1924 an epic journey ended when Bobbie, the bobbed tail collie, of Silverton reappeared at his master's feet. This pup went on a summer vacation with his family and unfortunately ended up lost in Indiana. The family returned home saddened by their loss. Little did they know that Bobbie was very determined to get back home. Witnesses corroborate this incredible 3000 mile trek that brought him home 6 months later. Bobbie is buried in the Oregon Humane Society animal cemetery. We now serve the needs of over 11,500 animals each year. With over 100 staff members and a volunteer force of over 1,000 the Oregon Humane Society is dedicated to adopt 100 percent of the animals turned into the shelter. Building a community of compassion is our goal - through adoption of homeless pets, animal welfare legislation, humane education, abuse investigation, and community outreach and leadership. |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
