Minnesota Humane Society

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1869, the Minnesota Humane Society (MHS) is the oldest humane society in Minnesota.  From its early victory in the late 1800’s of establishing one of the first laws making cruelty to animals a crime, we have consistently confronted the issues, raised awareness, and taken bold action to make Minnesota a better and more humane place for animals. 

MHS extends its care and concern to all animals—both domesticated and wild.

WHAT WE DO

Advocacy:  MHS has taken a leadership role in promoting humane legislation on behalf of both domesticated and wild animals. Each legislative session, MHS works to protect Minnesota's animals. In the late 1800's, MHS was responsible for establishing one of the first laws making cruelty to animals a crime. More recent legislative efforts include the repeal of pound seizure where publicly funded shelters and pounds are required to provide unclaimed dogs and cats for experimental and educational purposes, successfully preventing legislation making undercover humane investigations a crime and legislation allowing the inhumane practice of using hounds for bear hunting.  MHS also actively worked with a large coalition of animals organizations to pass legislation protecting dogs and cats in Minnesota's largest breeding facilities.  MHS is currently working to pass legislation to establish a state office under the Department of Public Safety, with expertise in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty to provide assistance and resources to local, state, tribal, and federal authorities involved in the enforcement of animal cruelty laws and legislation to establish a state agency to provide the expertise needed to lead and respond to companion animal issues and prioritize issues related to companion animal welfare and the human-animal bond. 

Community Cats:  Perhaps one of the greatest needs in the Twin Cities, as well as across the nation, is population control of community cats.  Numerous studies on how best to control these breeding populations have determined that the most effective means of population control is "Trap, Neuter and Release" (TNR).  The objective of TNR is to sterilize the colony members and provide food, water and shelter for them in the areas they normally live.  In the past, MHS provided significant funds to both Animal Ark and Feline Rescue for TNR, and continues to provide spay/neuter subsidies for over 500 community cats annually.  This funding has allowed thousands of cats to be trapped, neutered and released to be cared for by their caretakers.  

Elliott Veterinary Assistance Fund:  Many years ago MHS rescued a stray Shar Pei puppy suffering from a very severe case of mange; he was completely bald other than a tuft of fur at the tip of his tail. Elliott required a significant amount of medical care, but recovered and was adopted. In this little puppy's honor, the Elliot Veterinary Assistance Fund was established. This fund provides grants to needy Minnesotans whose animals would not otherwise receive medical treatment. Grant recipients must reside in Minnesota and receive some form of public assistance or met certain income requirements. Grants are given for illness and injury care and do not include preventative care such as spay/neuter and vaccinations.