Humane Society in Illinois

Formed in 1869 for the purpose of protecting animals, the Humane Society in Illinois evolved into several different protective organizations.

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Founded just four years after the end of the Civil War under the name the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Illinois Humane Society’s original focus was providing protection to abused animals. Members petitioned the Illinois legislature to become a state policing agency to stop to the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals at Union Stock Yards throughout the state. With the legal recognition given by the legislature, the Society appointed special agents, established branches throughout the state and lobbied for laws to stop animal abuse.

Ten years later, in 1879, the Illinois Humane Society was one of the country’s fist non-sectarian agencies to include abused, neglected or abandoned children in their protective services. In their early years the Illinois Humane Society was responsible for the following achievements:

• Founded the American Humane Society in 1877
• Helped organize humane societies in other states
• Began an ambulance service to transport disabled animals
• Responsible for successful child welfare legislation
• Erected water fountains on the street for public use with three water levels - the top for people, the middle for horses and the bottom for dogs and other small animals
• Gave lectures on their organization and humane activities
• Began publication of the Humane Advocate
• Started Bands of Mercy for Children, a humane education program

As other animal humane societies grew throughout the state, the focus of the Illinois Humane Society shifted completely to the welfare and protection of children. Today there are many humane societies located in Illinois.

Located at 423 Kayes Drive, Normal, Illinois, the Humane Society of Central Illinois is dedicated to preventing and protecting animals from neglect, abuse and cruelty and to finding homes for animals in need of a forever home. Many of the animals were brought to the center by their owners for various reasons. Some are no longer able to care for their pets due to medical or financial reasons. Many are relinquished because their owners bought a cute little puppy and found themselves unprepared for the care and needs of an adolescent or adult dog. Still others became lost and their owners never found them at the animal control facility.

The staff and volunteers of the adoption center of Humane Society of Cental Illinois work hard to find homes for the many animals in their care. Although there is a nominal adoption fee which varies based on the type and age of the animal, it goes toward paying for the animal’s care and medical needs including:

• Wellness examination by a veterinarian
• Needed vaccinations
• Spaying or neutering
• Flea prevention
• Heartworm testing
• Feline leukemia testing
• Microchipping
• Housing
• Feeding

Additional programs of the Humane Society of Cental Illinois include:

• A humane education program
• Humane investigations
• Spay and neuter clinic

To reach the Humane Society of Cental Illinois by telephone call 309-451-1000.

Human societies throughout Illinois provide similar services for animals in need of help. The following is only a small sampling of the many wonderful organizations in the state.

• The largest humane society in the Chicago area, the Animal Welfare League, has been caring for the needs of animals for more then 70 years. To contact this organization call 773-667-0088.
• The Metro East Humane Society in Edwardsville, Illinois, provides services for five Illinois counties:
  • Madison
  • Bond
  • St. Clair
  • Jersey
  • Macoupin

To reach the Metro East Humane Society by telephone call 618-656-4405.

• To contact the Humane Society of Southern Illinois, located between Carbondale and Murphysboro, takes in more then 4,000 pets each year. To contact this society call 618-457-2362.
• Incorporated more than 70 years ago, the Peoria Humane Society of Peoria, Illinois, service all of Peoria County. To contact this organization call 309-682-9015.

Humane Societies throughout the country are happy to accept monetary donations to help with the cost of running their shelters. Most are also in need of donations of food, litter, cleaning supplies, bedding and toys. All donations are tax deductible.

If you are thinking of getting a new furry family member, or know of someone that is unable to keep their precious pet, contact the nearest Humane Society in Illinois for help.

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