Humane Animal Rescue Records and Photographs
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The Humane Animal Rescue Records and Photographs contain selected images from 1902 to 2005 of buildings, staff, animals, and events hosted by both the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society (WPHS) and the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center (ARL). Images depict office buildings, vehicles, humane agents, pet shows, pet clinics, staff and volunteers, parades, fundraising events, and construction projects.
What's in the entire collection?
The Humane Animal Rescue Records and Photographs contain documents relating to the establishment and operation of both WPHS and ARL from the creation of each organization until the merger between the two. Records include annual reports, meeting minutes, correspondence, newspaper clippings, publications, public relation materials, financial records, and photographs.
About Humane Animal Rescue
Humane Animal Rescue is the result of the merger between the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society and Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center in 2017. The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society traced its beginnings to 1874 with the founding of the Pittsburgh branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Dr. A. G. Walters, a prominent physician and surgeon, was chosen as chairman, and Zadok Street became secretary and later the first superintendent or the organization. The Society initially focused on the welfare of livestock in Allegheny County. Though the WPHS initially focused on animal cruelty, it soon began receiving requests to examine allegations of physical and emotional abuse against children, women, and the elderly. In 1877, the WPHS launched its Children’s Branch to focus on abuse against children. Following World War II, the increase of prosperity and the accompanying baby boom resulted in a rise in pet ownership. When owners abandoned their pets or found themselves with unwanted litters, the Humane Society came to care for these animals. The elevation of the status of household pets in society also led to increased financial support for activities focused on the welfare of cats and dogs.
Established in 1909, Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh focused on educating the public on the proper care of dogs, cats, and horses, providing food and shelter for those animals, and ensuring painless deaths for old and sick animals. In 1912, ARL received a contract with a city to house stray animals caught by animal control. ARL expanded its mission in 1997 with the creation of the Pennsylvania Wildlife Center at the Rosedale property. The Wildlife Center focused on rehabilitating and releasing wild animals native to Pennsylvania that had been harmed or displaced due to interactions with humans.