Main Event / Founding of The Anti-Cruelty Society
On January 19, 1899, a group of five women from Chicago brought their attention to a forgotten group of suffering creatures -- the city’s animal population. These five women later had a mass meeting in the home of Mrs. Joseph Winterbothom on march 7, 1899 which led to the the formation of the Anti-Cruelty Society. At the meeting they elected Mrs. Thomas as the group’s first president. Mrs. Thomas became one of the first women to head a Human Society. The groups’ goals were to suppress cruelty to animals, to educate the public on human treatment, and to create refuge for strays. The Anti-Cruelty Society opened its first animal shelter in 1904 at 1898 North Clark Street. On December 6, 1906, The Anti-Cruelty Society received a charter from the State of Illinois to conduct protective work with animals and children. Their mission was to: "intervene to prevent cruelty to animals, provide low-or no-cost spaying or neutering, provide compassionate care for any animal in need, partner with the community to educate about animal issues and inspire compassion and respect" The Anti-Cruelty Society was involved in handling of child welfare cases for the next decade in addition to animals. |