Accomplishments
With the help of volunteers—and donations and support from the citizens of Bay County—the Humane Society has made a real difference in our community. Since the organization was founded in 1984, many successful initiatives have been implemented.
Prevention of cruelty/neglect and exploitation of animals
- Handled thousands of calls between 1984 and 1994
- 100% conviction rate
Education and public relations
- Adopt a Shelter Pet Campaign
- Scholarships for students pursuing an animal related career
- Creation of dog park – 2006
- Pet minglers, tiling and landscaping, purchase benches
- Kiosk built for public education and to promote Humane Society programs
- Established “Pet of the Week” advertisements in The Bay City Times in the mid 1980s
- Junior membership program established
- School programs – numerous, ongoing efforts
- Society Summertime Picnic
- Parades
- Pet First Aid (American Red Cross and Humane Society of United Sates)
- Created a website in 2005; updated in 2009 and 2010
- Animal oxygen masks for fire departments
- Candlelight vigil
Fundraising
- Donation banks
- Sales of dog beds, and dog and cat toys – ongoing
- Cats, Canines & Cupids Gala, February 11, 2012
- Auctions
- Rummage sale
- Give Me Shelter Campaign – 2004. Contributed $108,500 to Bay County Animal Control.
Legislation
- Established higher standards of health care for cats in Bay County
- Instrumental in ending the pound seizure in Bay County (from policy to provision in County ordinance)
- Instrumental in stopping dove hunting in Michigan
- Actively supports current legislation to end pound seizure in Michigan
Disaster relief
- Hurricane Katrina
- Midwest flooding
Current programs
- Spay/neuter rebates to promote the health of cats and dogs.
- Bay County Animal Control and Care Center – ongoing support
- Central Bark Park
- Community Outreach
- Support “Pet of the Week” to promote shelter adoptions.