About
The Minnesota Humane Society (MHS) is a statewide education, advocacy, and rescue organization dedicated to protecting the lives and interests of Minnesota’s animals.
Founded in 1869, it 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.
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. Recent legislative efforts include working to repeal pound seizure where publicly funded shelters and pounds are required to provide unclaimed dogs and cats for experimental and educational purposes. In addition, MHS has worked to repeal the recently legalized hunting of mourning doves and to prevent the inhumane practice of bear hunting with hounds, in which the dogs frquently tree a frightened bear until the hunter appears. Also, MHS is actively working to pass legislation that would protect dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in Minnesota puppy and kitten mills.
