American Humane Society

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The American Humane Society (previously American Humane), is an American animal welfare organization founded in 1877 that works to rescue, care for, and protect animals by taking action wherever and whenever they are in need. It was previously called the International Humane Association and subsequently the American Humane Association and American Humane before changing its name to American Humane Society in 2025. In 1940, it became the sole monitoring body for the humane treatment of animals on the sets of unionized Hollywood films and other broadcast productions, a role it maintains through an agreement with the Screen Actors Guild. American Humane Society is best known for its certification mark "No Animals Were Harmed", which appears at the end of film or television credits where animals are featured.

The organization also rescues animals following natural disasters, reunites retired Military Working Dogs with their former handlers, and celebrates pups who do extraordinary things at the Hero Dog Awards. Additionally, American Humane Society supports conservation work, and runs programs that certify farms, zoos, and aquariums, among other institutions for the humane treatment of animals.[1]

The American Humane Society Science and Standards Department works across all of the group’s activities to ensure animal welfare standards align with the latest research and science.[2]

American Humane Society is headquartered in Washington, D.C.[3] It is a section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.[4]

History

File:The American Humane Association 1919.png
The American Humane Association, 1919

American Humane Society began on October 9, 1877, as the International Humane Association, with the amalgamation of 27 organizations from across the United States after a meeting at the Kennard House in Cleveland, Ohio.[5] The invitation to the other groups came from the Illinois Humane Society, sent on September 15, 1877, to discuss the specific problem of farm animal maltreatment during their transport between the eastern and western US. Groups attending the meeting included associations from the State of New York, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. A group from Minnesota also pledged its support to the forthcoming results of the conference, though they could not attend, and a group from the Canadian province of Quebec requested that a transcript of the proceedings be sent to them afterward.[6]

The International Humane Association changed its name to the "American Humane Association" in November 1878.[7] New member organizations were in attendance for their second annual general meeting, held in Baltimore, Maryland, and also came from California, Massachusetts, Maine, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Canadian regions were also included in the Association.[8] From 1892 to 1900, Francis H. Rowley was Secretary of the American Humane Association.[9]

In 1916, American Humane Society founded Red Star Rescue Relief after the U.S. Secretary of War asked the organization to rescue injured horses on the battlefields of World War I.[10] Officers in 1917 included President William O. Stillman and 2nd Vice-President Peter G. Gerry. There were 36 Vice-Presidents listed including William Howard Taft, Thomas R. Marshall, and Francis H. Rowley.[11]

In 1954, tensions within the ranks of American Humane Society members came to a head at the organization's annual meeting, as a member-nominated slate of board candidates stood for office in opposition to a board-nominated slate. The majority of those assembled at the Atlanta, Georgia convention elected the three candidates on the member-nominated slate; J. Perry, Raymond Naramore, and Roland Smith. In the meeting's aftermath, there were firings and resignations on the part of staff members, including Larry Andrews, Marcia Glaser, Helen Jones, and Fred Myers. This core group went on to found a new organization, the National Humane Society, later known as The Humane Society of the United States, as an alternative to American Humane Society.[12]

American Humane Society's first "No Animals Were Harmed" end credit was issued at the end of the movie The Doberman Gang in 1972.[13] And since then, the group has launched programs to certify the humane treatment of animals at a wide variety of institutions.[14]

In 2025, the organization changed its name to "American Humane Society".[15]

Charity evaluations

American Humane Society is a BBB accredited charity and earns a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.[16][17] American Humane Society also has the approval of Animal Charities of America and is certified by America’s Best Charities.[18]

American Humane Society Red Star Animal Rescue

According to The Gettysburg Times, the "American Humane Association began offering animal relief in August 1916, by accepting an invitation of the War Department to help animals used by the U.S. Army during WWI. The invitation resulted in the development of the American Red Star Animal Relief Program later known as Red Star Rescue Relief. Since its inception, the American Humane Association's Red Star Animal Emergency Services has responded to national and international disasters, rescuing thousands of animals."[19] Now called America Humane Society Red Star Animal Rescue, disasters in which the group has rescued animals include the 2011 Joplin tornado,[20] Hurricane Katrina, the 2010 Haiti earthquake,[21] Hurricane Sandy,[22] the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and the September 11 attacks,[23] among many others.

American Humane Society Red Star Rescue units are stationed across the country to ensure a swift response whenever and wherever animals are in crisis. It includes a fleet of emergency response vehicles customized to help animals in disasters, as well as specialized rescue equipment designed specifically for animal search and rescue.[19]

American Humane Society Red Star Rescue saved hundreds of shelter animals following a 2015 F-5 tornado in Oklahoma. In 2023, the organization responded to tornadoes in Tennessee and Georgia, deployed amid wildfires in Washington State, and provided support to relief efforts following the super typhoon in Guam and earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.[24] The next year, American Humane Society was boots on the ground following the impact of Hurricanes Debby, Milton, Francine, and Helene in the United States, assisting more than 85,000 animals.[25]

More recently, the rescue team deployed following the devastating wildfires that hit the Los Angeles area.[26] In addition to natural disasters, American Humane Society Red Star Rescue also recovers animals from dog-fighting rings, man-made disasters, hazardous animal shelters, and hoarding cases.[27]

Work in the film industry

Film and television unit

American Humane Society began its work in film in 1940 after an incident that occurred on the set of the film Jesse James.[28] The group began protesting the public release of the film because of a scene in which a horse was forced to run off the edge of a cliff.[29] The horse fell over 70 feet to the ground below and broke its spine, having to be put down afterwards.[30] In 1966, American Humane Society's access to some sets was diminished for 14 years following the dismantling of the Hays Office, during which time their jurisdiction was lessened.

By contract with the Screen Actors Guild, American Humane Society monitors animal use on film sets. However, the Screen Actors Guild has no jurisdiction concerning non-American and non-union productions.[31]

In 1980,[32] following the release of Heaven's Gate, the opening of which was met with a national picketing and protest effort after complaints about how the filming of the movie had involved the inhumane treatment of animals – including the deaths of five horses – the Screen Actors Guild negotiated for the universal presence of American Humane Society on the set as part of its union deal, forcing moviemakers to contact American Humane Society in advance of any animal being present on set.[33]

Today American Humane Society's No Animals Were Harmed certification program specifically oversees animals used during media productions, and it is sanctioned by the Screen Actors Guild to oversee a production's humane care of animals. It is the only organization with jurisdiction to do so within the United States.[34] Because of this, American Humane Society may choose to issue the end credit disclaimer "No Animals Were Harmed", with a piece of a filmstrip that depicts a dog, a horse and an elephant.[35] American Humane Society also reports on animal safety during filming if public concerns arise or if animal accidents happen on the set.[36] American Humane Society protects the animals on the set as well as the cast/crew members who interact with the animals. According to American Humane Society, they ensure that budgets and time constraints do not compromise the safety or care of the animals.[37]

In 2024, American Humane Society reported supervising 1,000 productions in 25 countries, protecting 100,000 animal actors.[38]

Guidelines

American Humane Society's standard of animal care is outlined in the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media, which were established in 1988 and continue to evolve. It covers large animals, as well as fish, insects, birds, reptiles, and any other living creature.[39] On the set, American Humane Society's Certified Animal Safety Representatives attempt to ensure the Guidelines are upheld.[40] American Humane Society's oversight includes film, television, commercials, music videos, and internet productions.[41]

In 2025, American Humane Society launched a new Science and Standards Department to support animal welfare initiatives across all of the organization’s programs, including No Animals Were Harmed.[42]

Criticism

In the late 1980s, American Humane Society was accused by Bob Barker and the United Activists for Animal Rights of condoning animal cruelty on the set of Project X and in several other media projects. The basis of the accusation was the allowing of a cattle prod and a gun on set, and the rumored beating of the chimpanzee on set. American Humane Society responded by launching a $10 million suit for libel, slander and invasion of privacy against Barker.[43] American Humane Society claimed that there had been a two-year "vendetta" against them behind the accusations.[44] In a series of public advertisements along with the $10 million libel suit, American Humane Society stated that the allegations were made based on insufficient and misleading information.[43] The suit was eventually settled by Barker's insurance company, which paid American Humane Society $300,000.[45]

Los Angeles Times reported, in 2001, that the American Humane Society Film Unit "has been slow to criticize cases of animal mistreatment, yet quick to defend the big-budget studios it is supposed to police," and that an examination of American Humane Society "also raises questions about the association's effectiveness." The article cites numerous cases of animals injured during filming which the American Humane Society may have overlooked.[46]

In late 2013, The Hollywood Reporter ran a story which implicated American Humane Society in turning a blind eye to and underreporting incidents of animal abuse on television and movie sets. Examples include The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Life of Pi.[47]

In early 2017, CNN reported that American Humane Society's representative for the movie A Dog's Purpose failed to properly monitor and protect a dog used in the film. American Humane Society placed an employee on leave after a video was published showing the dog in distress while performing a stunt for the movie.[48] A third-party report later found that the video was "deliberately edited for the purpose of misleading the public and stoking public outrage."[49][50]

Programs

American Humane Certified Farm Program

In 2000, the American Humane Certified Farm program created the first farm animal welfare label to be overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program began as "Free Farmed" under Adele Douglass, who left American Humane Society in 2003, to found Humane Farm Animal Care. The initiative is now referred to as the American Humane Certified Farm Program.[51]

American Humane Society certifies farms after evaluating them in five criteria. The animals are expected to be free from hunger, discomfort, pain, and fear, and able to express normal behaviors. Farms that meet these criteria receive an American Humane Certified label.[52]

From 2011 to 2015, the number of American Humane Certified animals jumped sevenfold.[52] As of 2024, the American Humane Society reported that its farm program certifies nearly 200 producers and processors, represents 90 percent of cage-free-eggs sold in the U.S., and protects more than one billion farm animals.[53]

The auditing is done by American Humane Society, with the USDA also auditing the certifications to ensure compliance.[54][55]

The label informs purchasers that American Humane Society has found that the animals were not subjected to unnecessary pain, distress, or fear while being raised.[56] Part of what the program demands is the implementation of minimum space requirements per animal on a farm or in farming facilities.

Criticism

In 2013, Foster Farms earned the American Humane Certified designation from American Humane Society for its handling of poultry.[57] In June 2015, Mercy for Animals released a video of an undercover investigation of several Foster Farms poultry facilities certified as "humane" by American Humane. The footage included workers mistreating chickens.[58]

American Humane Certified Zoos & Aquariums

The American Humane Society also certifies modern zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks for the humane treatment of animals. The program allows for independent, third-party verification of the humane treatment of animals in human care, based on rigorous science and evidence-based practices. The benchmarks in which facilities are judged are developed by the organization’s Scientific Advisory Committee.[59]

As of 2024, the American Humane Society certifies 85 zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks across 17 countries.

The following list of the 85 zoos, aquariums and conservation parks certified by the American Humane Society include:

Military Working Dog Reunifications

Following careers of service in the U.S. military, American Humane Society works to reunite retired military working dogs with their former handlers.[60] For years, military working dogs were classified as “equipment,” often left behind overseas after their service. But in part thanks to American Humane Society’s advocacy, Congress now requires that these loyal canine heroes be brought back to U.S. soil upon retirement, with their handlers and families given the first opportunity to adopt them.[61]

Despite this progress, many retired military working dogs face significant barriers to reuniting with their handlers. The cost and logistics of transportation often fall solely on the handlers. American Humane Society helps to alleviate this burden and ensure that these brave K-9 veterans can retire with the people who mean the most to them—their former handlers.

American Humane Society covers both the costs of transportation and coordination of the reunification process, as well as pays for lifetime veterinary care for the dogs reunited with their handlers.

Pups4Patriots Program

American Humane Society works to put healing leashes in the hands of veterans and first responders who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. The Pups4Patriots program trains dogs in need of forever homes to be service animals that are subsequently paired up with American veterans and first responders.

Research shows that specially trained service dogs can reduce stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, ease social reintegration, provide comfort and restore confidence in affected veterans and first responders. However, many obstacles often prevent veterans and first responders from gaining access to service dogs. Waiting lists are long, and the process is expensive, with training costing upwards of $30,000 per service dog. This is where Pups4Patriots comes in.

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards

Each year a dog is awarded the Hero Dog Award, an accolade given to dogs that have contributed substantially to human society. There are several categories in which dogs can be nominated, including the Military Dog category. The grand prize for the American Hero Dog was previously reported to be $10,000, which is given to a charity that reflects the contributions of the animal.[62] In 2011 and 2012 the awards were broadcast on the Hallmark Channel.[63] The first winner of the national award was a dog named Roselle, who led his blind owner down from the 78th floor of the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks. There were more than 400,000 votes cast in the online poll that determined the winner. Unfortunately, Roselle died several months before the winner was announced. The award was given on November 11, 2011.[64]

The 2023 winner of the Hero Dog Awards was Maverick, a 150-pound Great Dane that helps to comfort others with the simple touch of his paw. When Maverick is not supporting military service members, he helps the children of military families. He accompanies them during the burial ceremonies of their fallen family members, serving as a source of strength during these challenging times.[65]

The 2024 winner of the Hero Dog Awards was Bo, a 17-month old Bloodhound from Kentucky that works with the Gastonia Police Department in North Carolina. After rigorous training, Bo began working as a Police K9 in October 2023, quickly proving his invaluable skills by locating an elderly dementia patient and an 11-year-old autistic child who had gone missing.[66]

The Wolfgang Kiessling Prize for Species Conservation

The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation is a global award recognizing the exceptional achievements of conservation scientists. Named in honor of Wolfgang F. Kiessling, a visionary conservationist with over 50 years of dedicated work to save species from extinction, the prize celebrates those who embody his leadership, vision, and commitment to protecting species, habitats, and the vital role of zoos and aquariums. [67]

Each year, the prize is awarded to a scientist making transformative contributions to conservation practice, theory, or research. Recipients are honored at an annual award ceremony, receive a grant to support their efforts, and are featured in a global media campaign to share their groundbreaking work with the world.

As the threat of extinction looms over up to one million species, the Kiessling Prize shines a crucial spotlight on those who are building a more sustainable and humane future. This award serves as both recognition and inspiration for the relentless efforts needed to protect life on Earth for generations to come.

Global Humane Society

Global Humane Society is the international arm of American Humane Society. The organization rescues, cares for, and protects animals around the world—making a difference in 59 countries.[68]

Global Humane Society’s comprehensive certification programs establish rigorous benchmarks for humane treatment and welfare across industries. From certifying top zoos and aquariums to ecotourism, farms, working environments and film and television productions, these science-based initiatives improve the lives of over 1.5 billion animals while promoting sustainable practices worldwide.

Global Humane Society also oversees a wildlife preserve in Africa within the Bushman’s River Biodiversity Corridor at the Tanglewood Conservation Area. The goal of the Brad and Alice Andrews Preserve is to advance wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and the transformative power of rewilding.[69]

Child welfare services

American Humane Society previously managed several initiatives to improve child welfare services.[70] The Front Porch Project launched in 1997 in order to prevent child abuse and neglect.[71] Meanwhile, the Fatherhood Initiative helped to develop better methods of engaging non-resident fathers with children who are in the welfare system.[72]

Governance and finances

American Humane Society's budget for 2024 was just over $65 million. Their total revenue during that same year was $68.5 million.[73]

The organization closed its Denver, Colorado office in 2011 and moved its operations to Washington, D.C.[74]

Previous board chair, Eric Bruner, resigned in January 2013 amidst revelations that American Humane Society paid $233,863 to his business partner, Gregory Dew, for unspecified consulting services. Dew was the highest paid American Humane "independent contractor" in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2011, according to filings the charity submitted to the IRS.[31][75]

Employees

In 2004, Marie Belew Wheatley became executive director of American Humane Society. In 2010, she left to become the executive director of the Colorado Ballet, and then left the Colorado Ballet in 2013.[76] The Current American Humane Society President and CEO is Robin Ganzert, who received $284,912 in compensation for 2013.[77]

Other organization staff include program leaders that oversee the operations of initiatives ranging from No Animals Were Harmed to zoo and aquarium certifications. [78]

Publications

The American Humane Society published The National Humane Review in 1913 which later became the American Humane Magazine up until 1978.[79][80] It was published quarterly by American Humane Association Animal Protection Division.[80]

American Humane Society publishes an annual report and newsletter.[81] They have released books and publications including:

  • The Humane Table: Cooking with Compassion (2022) provides delicious recipes for home chefs who are mindful about the welfare of animals.[82]
  • Mission Metamorphosis: Leadership in a Humane World (2020) equips readers with the leadership tools needed to increase your business revenue and efficiency dramatically, all while affecting positive change in the world for animals.[83]
  • Animal Stars: Behind the Scenes with Your Favorite Animal Actors (2014) chronicles the animals and trainers in popular movies and television shows.[84][85]
  • Pet Meets Baby (2011) which provides tips to animal owners on how to prepare for a baby.[86]

People

File:John G. Shortall (1837 or 1838 – 1908).png
John G. Shortall
File:John Louis Shortall (1865–1934).png
John L. Shortall

See also

References

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Sources

  • Coleman, Sydney. Humane Society Leaders in America (Albany: American Humane Association, 1924).

External links

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