Since 1954, we’ve been at the forefront of the fight to end animal cruelty and suffering. By tackling the root causes of the issue, we’ve driven lasting change for millions of animals around the world. From pioneering laws that protect animals to groundbreaking investigations that expose hidden abuse, our history is a testament to our commitment to creating a more humane world.
Breaking new ground
1954: Our journey began with the founding of the Humane Society of the United States, dedicated to protecting all animals and taking on challenges beyond what local humane societies could tackle.
1958: We played a key role in passing the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, the first federal animal welfare law in decades.
1958-1959: Our first undercover investigations exposed cruel practices in animal research, and we advocated for humane treatment of whales, seals and homeless pets.
Advancing our mission
1961: We launched a decade-long investigation into the treatment of laboratory animals, driving significant policy changes.
1966: Our work led to the passage of what is now known as the U.S. Animal Welfare Act, protecting animals used in research.
1968: We began campaigns to protect wild horses and seals.
Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media with the Montreal SPCA
Expanding our reach
1971: We fought against cruel predator control methods and helped pass the Wild Free-roaming Horse and Burro Act.
1976: Our disaster relief program was officially established, positioning our responders to go where we’re needed most.
1981: Our investigations exposed the cruelty of puppy mills, leading to increased awareness and regulation.
1982: We helped secure a global moratorium on whaling, protecting countless whales.
Moving forward
1991: We launched Humane Society International, extending our fight for animals worldwide.
1992-1993: We helped pass key wildlife protection laws, including the International Dolphin Conservation Act.
1996: Our work influenced the National Organic Standards Board to include humane treatment of animals in organic labeling.
Leading with innovation
2000: We pioneered the use of wildlife contraception to reduce human-animal conflicts, including with elephants in South Africa.
2005: Our work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina set new standards for animal rescue in disasters and helped ensure animals are included in federal disaster response planning.
2008: A major investigation led to a federal policy change on the slaughter of downed cows, protecting food safety and animal welfare.
Humane World for Animals
Transforming communities
2011: We launched Pets for Life, a revolutionary access-to-care program to bring veterinary support and other pet resources to underserved communities.
2015: Our legal efforts ended the use of chimpanzees in research, and we successfully pushed Ringling Bros. to stop using elephants in their shows.
2018: We helped pass historic laws in California to improve farm animal welfare and in Florida to end greyhound racing.
2019: We rescued more than 200 koalas, kangaroos and other animals from devastating bushfires in Australia.
Molly Tamulevich/The HSUS
Continuing the work
2021: Our ongoing advocacy and our award-winning short film Save Ralph led to a ban on cosmetic testing on animals in Mexico, later followed by bans in Canada, Brazil and Chile.
2023: We successfully defended California’s Proposition 12 at the Supreme Court of the United States, a major win for farm animals. We also removed nearly 4,000 beagles from a laboratory breeding facility in Virginia and banned ivory, elephant and rhino trophies in Canada.
2024: We played a key role in South Korea’s national ban on the dog meat trade.
2025: Our organizations began working under a new shared name, Humane World for Animals, to continue driving change for the next 70 years and beyond.
More About Humane World for Animals
The Humane World for Animals management team directs the organization’s day-to-day activities, under the Board’s direction and oversight.
Here are just a few highlights from our transformative history. With your support, imagine what we can do in the years ahead.
We’re uniting under a new name to better reflect who we are, our bold work and our global mission.
Working toward a Humane World
"A Humane World" is the official blog of Humane World for Animals—a first-hand account of our ongoing efforts to protect animals, as told by our president and CEO, Kitty Block. Subscribe for regular updates.
Jean Chung/HSI