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Our History & Henry Bergh
Since its inception
in 1879, the Wisconsin Humane Society has become
one of the most established and well-recognized
non-profit organizations in the community. For the
past 125 years, the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS)
has been providing quality, cost effective services
for homeless animals. It is the largest humane society
in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the United
States. The work of the Wisconsin Humane Society
is based on the model created by Henry
Bergh, the founder of the humane movement in
North America.
WHS has cared for literally millions of animals
in the past 125 years and touched the hearts of
millions of people. Founded by colorful and energetic
community leaders like Frederick Pabst and Samuel
Marshall, many of them dedicated their lives to
pursuit of helping animals.
Henry Bergh, a resident of New York City, is regarded
as the father of the humane movement in the United
States. The only known statue of him in the nation
proudly resides right outside of the Wisconsin Humane
Society. Henry got a late start in the field of
animal welfare, beginning his illustrious career
in his mid 50’s when he was a diplomat in
a Russian court. Having grown up an aristocrat,
Henry had access to influential individuals and
used his position to make significant changes for
the betterment of animals.
Mr. Whitehead was known to be a kindhearted, honest
man. He was the first Superintendent of the Wisconsin
Humane Society from its inception in 1879 and remained
in that position for more than 25 years. Of course,
in those days, WHS dealt with crimes against livestock
and children more often than dogs and cats.
Lenore Cawker had always had dreams of becoming
an artist,  but
her commitment to animals took her life in another
direction. She was a member of the WHS Board of
Directors and she ran and financed what was then
called the city pound single-handedly from 1906
to 1930. During those years, animals were cared
for in her parent’s barn, which was fitted
to care for animals, as well as other properties
Lenore had purchased as the need arose.
While the issues have changed over the years, the
Wisconsin Humane Society’s commitment to animals
has remained steadfast. Today, the Wisconsin Humane
Society is in the vanguard of animal welfare, setting
national trends and reaching out to animals and
people well beyond our state lines. Thanks to the
support of a committed group of individuals in our
community who love animals, the Society continues
to provide lifesaving care for thousands of animals
each year and to create a more humane community
for us all.
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