History of the Michigan Humane Society
1877 - 2003, 125 Years: A Perspective

1877 The animal protection movement was growing in the United States, supported by influential individuals such as businessman Henry Bergh, and fueled by anti slavery sentiment and other social movements of the century. In New York, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) had been granted a charter eleven years earlier, and other societies followed, modeled after the British Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which was founded in 1824. In Detroit, the Michigan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was formed in 1877. The Society's first board of directors included President Thomas Witherell Palmer, who went on to become a United States Senator, and Vice President Alexander Lewis, then Mayor of Detroit.

Horse Fountain 1910

1894 A number of prominent Detroit women formed the Twentieth Century Club, pledging to fight against "social evils."

1910 A second humane society was formed in Detroit. The "Detroit Humane Society" was inaugurated with two special purposes: 1) Protection of human beings from cruelty, abuse and oppression; and 2) The protection of animals. From June 10 to September 9, the Society handled 947 cases of cruelty to horses and provided relief to three cruelly treated old persons, 68 women and 189 children. Water troughs on the streets of Detroit were provided for work horses.

1911 The Detroit Humane Society sponsored and wrote a bill prohibiting the traffic of old and worn out work horses. Attempts to pass such a law in Michigan had previously failed. The Honorable Ward Copley handled the bill in Lansing and it became law in May 1913.

1912 Well known stage actress Minnie Madern Fiske expressed horror and outrage at the conditions endured by the work horses of Detroit during an address to the women of the Twentieth Century Club. As a result, the Detroit Animal Welfare Association was formed. It was called "...the brightest jewel in the crown of womanhood in Detroit." The Association's President, Mrs. Abner Larned, believed that the existing Detroit Humane Society was inadequately staffed and therefore unable to provide sufficient protection to animals. Under her leadership, the Animal Welfare Association far surpassed previous organizations and built the foundation for today's Michigan Humane Society.

1913 Arthur C. Curtis became the Animal Welfare Association's sole employee, was named Humane Marshall by then Governor Woodbridge N. Ferris and given statewide authority to investigate charges of animal cruelty. During his 40 plus years of service, Curtis often explained why he had taken the job: "When I was a cavalryman in the Boer War, both I and my horse were wounded behind enemy lines in Africa. But, in spite of his pain, that horse carried me back to my own lines. He later had to be killed. I've never forgotten that and since have had a very deep feeling for animals." Curtis volunteered his services to the Association until funds were available to pay him.

125 Years: A Perspective
1914 - 1935

Much of Curtis' work during those early years involved the protection of horses and prosecution of abusers. With up to 68,000 horses toiling daily in the city, neglect, overwork, cruel treatment, and even intentional brutality to rivals horses were common occurrences. Hundreds of newspaper clippings document these cases, and many perpetrators were penalized. For example, in 1915, a man was arrested by Curtis for leaving a sick horse in an alley for eight hours. The man was found guilty and ordered to pay a $15 fine or spend 30 days in "the work house." In January of 1925, seventeen horses were discovered in a tent, one frozen to death and the others suffering from extreme cold. A Detroit Judge fined the owner $100 or 60 days in jail. Prosecuted under a felony statute, a teamster was charged with "malicious injury to personal property" for tearing out a horse's tongue after its owner refused to give the man work. In one of the largest fines of the times, Judge William M. Heston fined a teamster $110 for forcing his work horses to wear work collars that tore the skin from their necks.

1914 Officer Curtis gave warnings to 1,475 drivers of horses. The Animal Welfare Rest Farm donated to the Association and located on the corner of Inkster Rd. and Michigan Avenue, cared for 17 horses while 142 horses were ordered to their owners barns for rest and treatment. First aid cases attended to on the street totaled 66 and Curtis inspected 324 markets, excavations, stockyards, and barns to check conditions. Of the 107 cases Curtis brought before the police court of Detroit, all resulted in convictions carrying fines from $2 to $100 and, in some cases, imprisonment. 

The plight of the Martinez family made its way into the newspapers.

1918 1400 drivers of horses in the city of Detroit pledged their support to the Animal Welfare Association, to treat their animals humanely, and to extend their efforts in compelling other drivers to do likewise. Each also agreed to donate $1 to the cause. The Association continued to do more than just protect the city's animals. It also extended shelter and assistance to children, spouses, and the elderly. The Martinez family, husband, wife and three sons, stayed at the shelter when they could not find lodging elsewhere in the city. A warrant was issued for Rev. Michael Martin for cruelty to a child on the complaint of Humane Marshall Curtis. According to newspaper accounts, the priest, from Ottawa Ontario, apologized and claimed he did not know it was illegal to beat children in this country. The investigation continued, in spite of the priest's apology. In 1920, a similar charge was levied against a teacher at Salem Lutheran School for whipping a pupil and landing 25 blows for neglecting her studies.

1919 Application was made to the Detroit Community Union, a citywide, private organization, in an effort to appropriate funds for the services of the Association.

1925 The Animal Welfare Association and Detroit Humane Society incorporated to form the Michigan Humane Society. The Executive Committee of the Society decided to charge $1 for animals "sold" into new homes and full records of the animals placed were kept on file. In essence, these were the early years of animal adoptions. The shelter facility was a leased building at 7378 Richmond. The Society began to discuss actual purchase of property and construction of a new facility. The Society began a campaign of Humane Education in public schools, including poster contests for students.

1926 Michigan Humane Society field staff responded to 6,163 small animal ambulance calls and 99 horse ambulance calls. They received and investigated 6,135 complaints of cruelty and successfully prosecuted 39 cases. Overloaded horses relieved from work numbered 16. Stabling facilities for horses within the city were deemed unsuitable" and "deplorable" by the Society. An ordinance drafted by Michigan Humane Society calling for proper stabling facilities was presented to the City and approved by the Mayor in 1927.

1927 The Detroit Community Union required that the Society refer all cases involving humans to newly formed government agencies. The Humane Education programs visited 190 schools.

Humane Education Award Card

1931 In January, the Michigan Humane Society purchased the old Detroit Piston Ring building at 7401 Richmond (site of the current Detroit Shelter). Although the Board approved funding to make needed renovations to the building, by August conditions were found to be substandard, with inadequate ventilation, unsanitary cages, substandard floors and windows with no screens. Taking over as Shelter Operations Manager in August, Doctor Myra Babcock oversaw repairs and improvements to make the facility a sanitary and functional shelter. The first annual Horse Christmas Party was held with horses treated to hay and drivers served coffee and doughnuts. Humane Education set forth these goals: To teach children during the formative period of their lives to be kind to and considerate of every living creature, including animals as well as human beings; to instill in every child a repugnance toward all forms of cruelty; develop a love for life in all its manifestations and to stress the application of the Golden Rule to animals as well as human beings.

1933 Twenty-two Detroit area veterinarians approach the Society with this resolution: "We agree to treat any charity case referred to our respective hospitals by your Superintendent, Dr. Cass J. Kershaw, when, in his opinion, charitable action is required." Thus began an elaborate referral system for indigent veterinary care in the city.

1934 WWJ radio began broadcasting weekly shows featuring Society board members. Ten schools formed Junior Humane Societies which brought in funds through candy sales, plays and concerts.

1935 Mr. Edsel Ford contributed $500 toward the purchase of a new animal ambulance.

125 Years: A Perspective 
1936 - 1967

The first issue of the Michigan Humane Society newsletter, "Blue Cross News" was introduced and met with much approval. The Society began a campaign to abolish the selling of live baby chicks as toys or gifts, which included a rhyme written by well known poet Edgar Guest. Over 200 children and 50 horses attend the annual Christmas party at the Shelter.

1941 The Michigan Humane Society's Legal Committee called a special meeting to address cruelty to animals at the Michigan State Fair rodeo. After discussions, the rodeo promoter agreed to establish a "fine" system to minimize cruelty toward the animals and the State Fair Board was advised that Society officers would enforce anti-cruelty laws in all future rodeos. Society Manager, C. E. Johnson was appointed as State Director of the American Red Star, an animal relief organization dedicated to helping animals in war time.

1942 Plans were discussed and put in place for the escape/evacuation of animals should Detroit be bombed during the war. The Legal Committee approved presentation of the following to the Legislature in Lansing:

• inclusion of the word "animal" in the Hit and Run law
• abolishment of rodeos
• poultry shipping guidelines
• control of riding stables

Christmas Party circa late 1940s

1945 The Michigan Humane Society had been off the air at WWJ due to wartime restrictions, but publicity in newspapers was favorable and helped direct people to the shelter for aid with animal problems. Humane Education was in effect in all Detroit Public Schools. The Society published a script for "detraining" and resocializing many dogs who had been "loaned" by their owners to the war effort in order that the pets could successfully return to "family life."

1946 "Be it resolved that the Michigan Humane Society reaffirms its established policy that no animals be given out, either by gift or by sale, for use in vivisection or for experimental purposes."

1947 The annual Michigan Humane Society Christmas party for horses was attended by almost 900 people and 63 horses. One hundred pets were placed in new homes as a result of the party. Statistics for the year were quite impressive:

• 43,179 animals passed through the shelter
• 259 were returned to their owners
• 3,590 were placed in new homes
• 26,739 ambulance calls were responded to
• 2,415 emergency calls were logged
• of 1,076 cruelty investigations, 100 were prosecuted

But the presence for funding never ceased. Manager C.E. Johnson is quoted in the Annual Meeting minutes as saying "Our income is not keeping pace with the increase in cost of operation, in spite of the diligence and faithfulness of the shelter staff."

1948 Michigan Humane Society had 50 five-minute shows on WWJ radio, with air time donated by the station.

The introduction of humane education shelter tours and first aid classes in the 1950s

1956

1964 To help improve canine human relations, Michigan Humane Society began offering free obedience classes on Saturday mornings at the Detroit Shelter.

National Guard with some animals helped during the 1967 riots

1966 In an effort to coordinate lost and found efforts for lost pets, Michigan Humane Society instituted "DIAL L-O-S-T D-O-G." The first call was placed by Mayor Jerome P. Cavanaugh. "Be Kind to Animals Week" was officially proclaimed by the State of Michigan and Michigan Humane Society received special recognition by Governor Romney. An effort to bring bull fighting to Pontiac was squelched by the Michigan Humane Society.
 
1967 Riots ripped through the city of Detroit. Shelter staff, some working 24-hour shifts, carried on, even during the height of the looting, burning and sniping. With the help of the National Guard, Society veterinarian Dr. Dewdney provided first aid for animals injured in the riots. Michigan Humane Society distributed 5,000 cans of dog and cat food to pet owners affected by the riots. 

125 Years: A Perspective
1968 - 2002

Detroit Vet Clinic Waiting Room 1968

The Detroit Shelter expanded and Michigan Humane Society Memorial Clinic, staffed by three full-time veterinarians, provided limited outpatient care to the public.

1971 Michigan Humane Society opened its second location in Westland to serve the communities of Westland and Dearborn Heights. A mandatory spay policy for all female dogs was put in place.

1972 Michigan law 4136 extended the number of days a stray must be housed by an animal shelter from 48 hours to four days. The Society veterinarians from Detroit traveled to the new Westland location twice a week to perform spay and neuter surgeries. Canton, Redford and Sylvan Lake joined the communities already served by the Westland facility. The movie "Benji" debuted around the country and "Benji" made a special appearance at the movie opening in Livonia to benefit the Michigan Humane Society.

1975

1982 Michigan Humane Society began construction on its Rochester Hills facility thanks to a $75,000 grant by the Kresge Foundation. Female dog and cat sterilization surgeries top 3,000.

1983 Michigan Humane Society adopted a Society wide mandatory sterilization for all adopted animals.

1985 Michigan Humane Society opened its second veterinary clinic next door to the Westland Shelter.

1988 The number of animals sterilized at the Michigan Humane Society since the sterilization program's 1983 inception reached 45,000.

1989 Michigan Humane Society held its first Mutt March fundraiser in memory of former Board member Laura Lee Greer.

1990 The first annual Bow Wow Champagne Brunch drew hundreds of guests and supporters.

1992 The first Animal Care Fair was held, sponsored by Pet Supplies "Plus".

1993 The first annual "Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo" helped place animals in new homes. The event would soon become the largest off-site adoption event in the country.

1995 Michigan Humane Society began early sterilization of adopted animals after veterinary science determined that it was safe for animals to be spayed or neutered as young as six weeks of age. The Michigan Senate passed House Bill 4654, requiring sterilization of all animals adopted from shelters, but the bill was vetoed in December. Michigan Humane Society hosted the "Protect My Future" conference. Educators, social workers, clergy, law enforcement personnel and animal protection workers attended and engaged in workshops focused on the link between animal cruelty and human violence.

1996 Governor Engler signed House Bill 5561, substantially strengthening Michigans felony animal cruelty law and making it one of the toughest in the U.S.

2002 Michigan Humane Society was recognized by Detroit 300 as a Heritage Organization. Under the leadership of newly appointed Executive Director Cal Morgan, the Michigan Humane Society enters the millennium with renewed determination to make further progress in animal protection. The Society completed a ten year strategic plan and announced its primary goal: To achieve a 100% adoption rate of adoptable animals by the year 2010.

2002: A MILESTONE YEAR FOR THE
MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY

In 1877, the Michigan Humane Society (then known as the Michigan Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), became one of the earliest animal protection organizations in the United States. The concept of encouraging and enforcing humane treatment of animals was slowly gaining support, having originated in Great Britain with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Since its beginning 125 years ago, the Michigan Humane Society has been sheltering, rescuing and protecting countless animals year after year.

Many people are not aware that in its early days, the MHS opened its doors not only to animals, but to people as well under its Family Welfare Division. The organization’s 1925 Annual Report states that the Society’s primary object is:

“The amelioration of animal conditions throughout the State of Michigan, and the protection of women and children from abuse and neglect.”

Statistics from 1926 report an incredible total of 125,683 animals handled by the Society’s officers, humane education visits to 90 schools, and describe the work of the Family Welfare Division as “one of the most important factors in keeping families together...the records show that a very large number of cases in question have been handed over to the Society...”

Although the basic mission of the Michigan Humane Society has never faltered, the years have brought many changes, many new programs, and many victories. Today the Michigan Humane Society is one of the largest sheltering societies in the country, offering a broad range of services and operating three adoption centers and veterinary centers, which together impact the lives of tens of thousands of animals each year.

The Humane Movement and the Birth of the
Michigan Humane Society

Introduction of the Animal Welfare Association Horse Ambulance

Michigan Humane Society horse ambulance and small animal ambulance in 1927

In 1877 Michigan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded. Its successor organizations, the Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Children (1910) and the Animal Welfare Association (1914) focused their efforts on serving children as well as animals. In the 1920s social service programs and government agencies began to cover the needs of children and families. As a result, in 1924, the previous organizations evolved into the Michigan Humane Society.

The Michigan Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to serving the animals since 1877. MHS operates three centers for animal care, each incorporating an adoption center and veterinary center, in the metro Detroit area. 

The mission of the Michigan Humane Society is to end companion animal homelessness, to provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.

Michigan Humane Society:
Labors of Love - Remembering Arthur Curtis

Arthur Curtis with a Shelter Friend

 Curtis, a young British Captain in the Boer War, was wounded during a battle. He was carried to safety by his horse, who had also sustained shrapnel wounds, but managed to get Curtis behind British lines before collapsing. "It was while I was getting well that I determined to spend the rest of my life helping dumb animals," Curtis explained. After becoming a member of the English Royal Humane Society, Curtis and his wife Emily came to Detroit in 1911 and he soon took a position with the Michigan Humane Society.

As the MHS’ earliest animal cruelty investigator, many of Curtis’ cases during the 1920s and 30s involved the over 4,000 horses who toiled daily in the streets of Detroit, along with mules and other working animals. Dozens and dozens of newspaper clippings report mistreatment of the animals, most often in the form of overloading them and failure to provide medical care. One newspaper article from this period tells about a lame Salvation Army horse who "stood on one front leg and one hind leg and tried to balance itself so that its weight would not press so cruelly on its two painful members." Mr. Curtis came upon the animal hitched to a wagon, waiting outside a meeting on Michigan Avenue from which strains of songs such as "His Tender Mercies" could be heard. Curtis approached one of the Salvation Army officials. "My friend, he began, "if you would spend just a little less time praying and a little more time caring for that poor horse, I am sure the Lord would like you better." When the women riding inside the wagon refused to get out, Curtis unhitched the horse and led him away, saying, "I’m not going to stand here and witness such deliberate cruelty." A dozen men came forward to pull the wagon, and Curtis followed, leading the limping horse. The subsequent newspaper article was headlined: "Citizens Hitch Selves Up To Salvation Army Wagon To Relieve Suffering Horse As Workers Sing Of ‘His Tender Mercies.’"

The 1930s were challenging but gratifying for the growing Society. Declaring a campaign of "education, legislation and rescue," the MHS secured a farm on Michigan Avenue near Inkster, where up to 50 horses could rest and recuperate. In 1935, due to the generosity of Edsel Ford, a new ambulance was purchased allowing the transport of sick and injured animals, day or night. Citizens were encouraged to report incidents of cruelty, with names of callers kept confidential.

Curtis was quite successful in securing prosecutions for animal cruelty with the help of Judge William M. Heston. Punishment for cruelty violations was typically a fine and/or time served in the house of corrections. One of the largest fines of the 1920s was $110, invoked upon a teamster for forcing his horses to wear collars that ripped the skin from their necks as they worked. In 1936, a man was fined $250 for killing a prize-winning Pomeranian after being evicted from a rooming house by the dog’s owner. In the 1940s, 86 cockfighting enthusiasts were fined $50 each for a total of $4300. The organizer of the fight was fined $100 and 75 birds were confiscated. A stable owner who was a four-time offender was given the option of paying $100 or serving 90 days for sores on his work horses.

Through it all, Arthur C. Curtis never wavered from his commitment to help protect the animals. At a ceremony honoring him for a quarter century of service, Curtis said, "It was 25 years ago that I took a position with the society and for the quarter of a century I have worked trying to educate boys and girls and men and women to be kind to animals I have found happiness. I want to die on the job." Curtis went on to work for the Society throughout his 70s.

Stories From Our Past
Society Rescues Father Who Stole to Save Mutt
circa 1930's

Edward Fields, with five of his nine children and "Bones," the family dog.

 Yet, for the love of Bones, Edward Fields, father of nine children, stole the license from a policeman’s dog to keep Bones away from the Dog Pound. For that theft Fields spent eight days in jail and is now on probation for six months.

This mutt of a dog strayed last winter into the yard of Field’s small home at 15437 DeCosta Avenue, Brightmoor, and found a home because small Jerry, who is 3, and big brother Wallace, who is 5, and shy Gladys, 6, who had always wanted a dog and couldn’t have one because Fields was out of work these last three years, took him to their hearts.

So Bones stayed and won his name with a greedy appetite. All went well until this summer, when Fields found small Jerry crying and petting Bones furiously, and the older children whispering among themselves. They had made a depressing discovery. Their dog had to have a license or the dogcatcher would get him.

Now it costs $1.10 to get that license. Fields supports his family by working for the welfare, and didn’t have that much to spare.

An airedale went by, with a license jangling from its collar. Fields went after the airedale and came back with the license. He was found out and arrested.

Now Bones has a new license, a bright red collar studded with brass ornaments, and well-insured future from dog days with a vaccine serum.

Mrs. Effie Arnold, director of the Humane Society, read the investigator’s report, and paid for these matters out of her own pocket.

Judge John A. Boyne, of the Recorder’s Court, put Fields on probation at the request of the Society.

Dogfighting Evil Blossoms Again
12 Arrested Watching an Outlawed "Sport"
December 13, 1943

Dog fighting, a "sport" long outlawed because it is usually a contest to the death, has reappeared in Detroit, police and Michigan Humane Society officers reported today. One such contest was interrupted by Hunt Station police Sunday in the yard at the rear of 2231 Lafayette Avenue East. Twelve spectators were arrested.

Two bulldogs, locked in a death grip, were separated and taken to the the police pound.

One of the dogs, Tiger Flower, had a torn ligament in his left front leg and deep slashes on his jowls. The other dog, named Joe, was badly scarred.

A CRUEL PASTIME

Guy Lee Merriweather, 645 Alfred Street, identified as the owner of Tiger Flower, was convicted of cruelty to animals and fined $10 by Judge Joseph A. Gillis in Recorder’s Court today. The 11 others were given suspended sentences.

Arthur C. Curtis, Humane Society officer, said contests between trained fighting dogs were becoming almost commonplace, especially in the outskirts of the city.

"In these exhibitions there is usually betting on which dog will kill the other," he said. "It is a cruel and vicious form of so-called sport. The thrill to the spectators apparently is in watching a dog’s death throes."

DOG SEPARATED

The arrests Sunday were made by patrolmen John Warren, James Konen and Samuel MacPherson of Hunt Station. They saw a group of men formed in a circle.

When they investigated further, they found Joe with his jaws clamped on Tiger Flower who had a hold of Joe’s ear. To separate the dogs they had to seize them by the hind legs and throw them over on their backs.

Merriweather told Frank Wendt, assistant prosecutor, he knew he should not have fought his dog.

"It was Sunday and I had just been to church and I knew it was no day for it," he said. "I should have listened more to the preacher."

The City Horse: A Vanishing Type
circa 1950's

Circa 1951 a horse and driver line up at the Michigan Humane Society shelter to receive gifts of apples, oats and hay

With as many as 30,000 horses toiling in the streets of Detroit in 1920, maltreatment such as overloading and starving of these horses was common. Humane Marshall Arthur Curtis spent a good deal of his time investigating charges of cruelty to horses. In 1931, the Michigan Humane Society threw the first of many annual parties celebrating the horses of the city. Drivers were treated to coffee and doughnuts while the horses received oats, blankets, carrots and apples.

Horses continued to work in the streets of Detroit into the 1960s, and Michigan Humane Society hosted its Annual Horse Party until December 12, 1971, when the last two work horses came out of semi-retirement to be honored at the celebration.

Holidays for Horses