Thousands of animals pass through the Hawaiian Humane Society's doors each year. In 1996 alone, over 1,600 lost pets were happily reunited with their owners. New homes were found for almost 7,000 animals that same year. And 7,200 spay/neuter surgeries were performed at the Society, funded by financial support from the community. Donations also funded the development of a humane education curriculum for all grade levels in Hawaii's schools which has been applauded nationwide. The Society's humane education staff also plans community events like the annual "Be Kind to Animals Week" celebration in May.
The Hawaiian Humane Society began in 1897 as an organization dedicated to preventing cruelty and abuse toward animals and children. In the society's early days, there was only one paid humane officer who handled about 400 cases of cruelty to animals per year, mostly of horses and cattle used as work animals.
As decades passed and Oahu changed from rural to a more urban community, the Hawaiian Humane Society's work also changed. In 1920, for example, two salaried officers responded to 1,294 cases involving children, and another 1,301 with animals divided almost equally between work animals (horses and cattle) and companion animals (dogs and cats).
In 1935 a newly formed organization, now known as Child and Family Service, became responsible for the welfare of children. That year, the animal shelter received nearly 11,000 animals. Oahu's problems of pet overpopulation had already begun. The Hawaiian Humane Society responded with more services including new educational and spay/neuter programs, adoption promotions, and legislative efforts addresing overpopulation. After peakign at a staggering 25,146 in 1978, the number of dogs received at the shelter began a steady decline, thanks to the combination of programs and the leash law. By 1996, the number of stray or homeless dogs received at the Hawaiian Humane Society had dropped to 6,145.
While the number of dogs received at the shelter has decreased significantly, the number of cats has soared. In 1995, an alarming 21,070 cats were received at the shelter. But also in 1995, Oahu's new Cat Protection Law began addressing the problem. The law requires that cat owners maintain identification on their cats, and that cats allowed to roam be sterilized. By 1996, there was already a decrease in cats received at the shelter, and happily, a remarkable increase in the number of lost cats returned to their owners. These are amazing achievements reflecting the community's support for the ideas behind the Cat Protection Law, and it was only the first year. It has taken years to create the current overpopulation situation; it will take years to solve it.
The programs at the Hawaiian Humane Society are ever-changing, always striving to instill the principles of kindness and respect towards all living things. The Society envisions a future of no unwanted animals; to get there, it will follow its mission and a combination of education, legislation and sterilization.
As pet overpopulation decreases and adoptions increase, the Hawaiian Humane Society will be less of a shelter and more of a source of programs and services which educate and enhance the quality of life in our community.
We can all help make this future a reality, not just for Hawaii, but all of America. Many people don't realize that humane societies rely solely on the generosity of their communities for much of their work. Though humane societies across the country may be united by a common mission, they are separate, individual organizations. No "parent" organization supports our local group. So until then and if any more, mahalo nui loa.
Credit to the Crazy Shirts of Hawaii company