The Humane Society was founded in the United States in 1954 as an animal advocacy and welfare group. The Society has since grown to sponsor thousands of shelters throughout the United States, as well as serving with the mission to educate pet owners about the importance of spaying and neutering their animals. It must be noted that the Humane Society is also almost entirely run by volunteers, and opportunities are always available at the Central Missouri Humane Society. My 11-year-old daughter is a volunteer at our local chapter with her G’ma, and they accept people of all ages and backgrounds.
Concern for animal welfare is not a new concept. History is filled with those individuals and groups who have been dedicated to helping our non-human friends. Indeed, the concern and reverence for animals is as old as humanity itself. Consider the religion of Jainism, founded in India in 500 BCE, which teaches a philosophy of non-violence and kindness toward all animals.
In the modern era, where wild animal extinction, as well as abandonment, overpopulation and abuse of domestic animals are real issues, we must grapple with the future of our relationship with animals. The library has a couple of new books that touch on this theme. Consider “The Animals’ Agenda: Freedom, Compassion and Coexistence in the Human Age,” by Marc Bekoff, and “The Reducetarian Solution” by Brian Kateman. Bekoff’s thesis, in a nutshell, is the following: to thrive as a species, humans must try to gain a better understanding and assist in the survival of other species. “The Reducetarian Solution” talks about how vegetarianism (or at least eating less mass-produced meat) will help foster a healthier environment.
There are those committed to animal rescue as well. A provocative, recently-released movie speaks to some of the problems that these brave souls in the trenches face everyday. “SMART,” the acronym for an animal rescue team based in Los Angeles, follows one man and his team’s attempt to assist animals (both wild and domesticated) in the Los Angeles area. It is also a bit of an exposé on the relentlessly grim animal shelter system in the area. You can check out the DVD from your library –“SMART: Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team.”
Humane Society shelters, on any given day, are filled with lost, neglected or abandoned cats. If you are looking for a new kitty in your home, please consider adoption from a local animal shelter, and also consider checking out some of the excellent books on our shelves about cat care. For instance, “The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care” is an excellent introduction to the ins and outs of responsible feline companionship.
Local residents can find more information about volunteering and pet adoption at your local Humane Society chapter on their website. The Humane Society also partners with Columbia area civic organizations for several events throughout the year, including a 5k. The library is offering an upcoming program, Learn About the Humane Society, that will help educate the public about what the Humane Society does, and about the myriad of volunteer opportunities at the organization.
Learn About the Humane Society
Saturday, July 29 — 9-10 a.m.
Columbia Public Library, Friends Room
