Hawaiian Humane Society
Newsletter People for animals. Animals for people.
July – September 2013
130 years of service to animals and people On July 24, 1883 the Hawaiian Humane Society was born from a small gathering of citizen advocates who believed a dedicated and organized effort was needed to improve the lives of animals. King Kalakaua was one of these founders.
In September 1883 the Saturday Press reported: “Captain Mehrtens of the police has been appointed special agent of the Humane Society. It is difficult to understand how he can be an efficient policeman and still have time to work up cases of cruelty. It is hoped that he will bridge this difficulty and render effective service in this noble cause in which he is engaged.” From its first cases of neglected cattle and beaten horses in the late 1800s to the Waimanalo puppy mill case of 2011, the Humane Society’s mission has remained steadfast: to promote the human-animal bond and humane treatment of all animals.
Clara Carpenter and Rhoda Thayer display the Humane Society banner while Arthur McCormack “Mr. Mac” and a junior member look on. Circa 1930.
The Society has always been about people as much as animals. In the early 1900s, the humane treatment of women, children and the mentally ill were also a part of the organization’s mission. Early humane agents visited mistreated children and removed them from their homes if necessary. Such was the case of a 3-year-old girl who was neglected and given alcohol by her mother. Children were adopted from the Humane Society and placed with loving families. Agents also escorted young women out of bars and brothels and into reform facilities. Continued on page 3
President’s Message Successful session results in passage of key bills Strengthening Hawaii’s laws has always been a priority for the Humane Society. Several animal-related bills at this year’s legislative session are likely to become law. The snare bill establishes mandatory reporting of cats and dogs captured in a snare or trap to the county’s animal services agency. It also prohibits the use of snares, conibears, steel-jawed traps, and foot- and leg-hold traps in residential areas.
In April, the Hawaiian Humane Society rescued a cat in Mililani that had suffered from such a device. These snares and traps are archaic, inhumane and are not currently in use by any state or federal agency. They are prohibited in a number of states. The animal prohibition bill establishes a mandatory prohibition on those convicted of first degree animal cruelty. It will ensure Pamela Burns President and CEO
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