About Us And Our History
MISSION:
The Humane Society of Central Washington, SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving and protecting the animals of Yakima County. Our mission is to end animal suffering and cruelty, reduce animal overpopulation, and educate the public regarding responsible pet ownership while promoting community kindness and commitment to their welfare. We practice and promote the Humane treatment of animals through animal control services, pet adoption, education, information, referral and quality animal care.
The Humane Society of Central Washington/SPCA is currently located at 2405 W. Birchfield Rd (right off of Nob Hill Blvd. across from K-Mart down by the Arboretum) in Yakima. We are open Monday through Saturday from 12 pm. – 5 pm. Incorporated in 1906, our Humane Shelter has been operating as a non-profit 501-(c)(3) organization at its current location since 1983.
HISTORY:
The Yakima County Humane Society was founded in 1904 and became an incorporated entity in 1906. It was October 16th, 1906 when Guy K. Brewster became secretary for the newly organized group to form the Yakima County Humane Society and submitted the necessary affidavit for incorporation to the State of Washington. Other initial members of the group included Mrs. E.B. Shelton, M.L. Masterson, Logan H. Roberts, W.M. Watt, Holbein S. Turner, Geo. N. Tuesley, B.F. Kumler, E.G. Kromey, H.R. Wells, and Theodore Weisberger.
The object for which the Humane Society Corporation was formed was:
- To aid, succor, defend, protect, and otherwise befriend those persons and animals who need or will benefit by such aid, succor, defense, protection or befriending.
- To promote proper legislation and just enforcement of laws against any person or persons, company or corporation guilty of cruelty, oppression or other inhumanity, and to disseminate humane literature.
- To acquire, hold and dispose of property of whatever kind and description, and do every other act and thing and exercise every lawful power that may be necessary or convenient in pursuit of what is in these articles specified.
The first shelter was located at 1903 S. First Street in Yakima and was used for the next 76 years. The building still stands today.
In December of 1951, the articles of incorporation were amended under the leadership of President Lela M. Erickson. The changes were made with regards to membership and voting procedures.
On April 6th, 1983, the articles of incorporation were refined again under the leadership of president and longtime board member Anne Anna and her husband Joe. Anne worked fulltime as a school counselor and raised three children while serving on the board of directors for more than twenty years and as president for six years. Changes in the wording of the purposes of the Humane Society, acquiring the property, and the construction of a new shelter at its present location, 2405 W. Birchfield Rd., were very important issues facing the Board of Directors. Other valuable contributors during this transition period were Wally and Dorothy Cheesman, Lela Linkner, Nancy Kendrick, Dick Weller, Dave Putney, Bob and Sherry Yates and many others.
The property was acquired from the City of Yakima for $15,000; and a major fundraising effort was made in order to construct the new shelter. The new facility was completed in 1984. Several years later, local resident, Wanda Cleveland made a substantial donation to the Humane Society. The money was used to establish the Shelter’s computer operations and other operational activities. At this time the Humane Society amended its’ name to the Humane Society of Central Washington/SPCA. The Humane Society also retained the right to be known as the Yakima County Humane Society.
Further changes have taken place recently after the Humane Society received a substantial bequest from the estate of Donald and Lois Carter during the fall of 2005. The proceeds have been used to make many improvements to the shelter including a new state of the art ventilation system; a complete overhaul of existing kennels consisting of new fencing, gating, doors, windows, lighting; refinishing of existing concrete with Epoxy paint (creating a germ free surface and slip resistant flooring); industrial pressure washer (more efficient and effective sanitation); stainless steel three basin sink; and a new storage unit. All of these improvements have created a healthier and more peaceful setting for the animals. More changes coming in the near future.
Until 1979/1980, animals were destroyed by the decompression chamber – at that time this was the only form of euthanasia available. Today, trained staff performs a more humane method of euthanasia by lethal injection. We are continually improving and updating our adoption standards, lost and found records to reunite lost pets with their owners, and effectively utilizing local and statewide Rescue organizations to transfer animals to different locations within Washington state to better their chances at adoption.
As early as the 1940’s animal control laws can be found on the books. Although, they did not touch the concerns of today’s needs. The 1970’s brought about stronger animal control laws within the Yakima County and the need for extended service contracts with the Humane Society.
The Humane Society’s budget in 1984 was approximately $96,000 per year. Today’s budget is about $450,000 per year.
