.:Our History
The Humane Society of Highlands County, Florida Inc. was organized under the laws of the State of Florida as a not-for-profit corporation on December 30, 1963.
The members of the first Board of Directors under this chapter were:
Carolyn Bass
Dorothea Plett-Hendrick
Roy P. Alexander
Ethel Tucker
Sally Giffard
Martha Lumplin
Charlotte Varena
Isabel Ann Potter
Florence M. Hershey
Sally Giffard, a secretary for the "Pink Palace" (now known as Harder Hall) was extremely active with the shelter for many years and upon her demise in 1977; she was buried on-site at the Humane Society. Today, visitors can view her garvesite under the statue of St. Francis of Asisi, Patrol Saint of animals. She is also surrounded by the graves of many of the departed pets that she gave service to during her life.
Our Philosophy:
Euthanasia: HSHC is a 'no-kill' for space shelter", which means that we will not euthanize an adoptable animal for space in the shelter. HSHC provides medical care and socialization skilss to animals in our care; however animals that are medically beyond our abilities or those that demonstrate repeated aggressive behavior may have to be euthanized. This is a very difficult decision to make and not made without due consideration and contemplation.
Spay & Neuter: The number of homeless animals nationally is staggering. Estimates are that 5 to 12 millions animals are euthanized each year in the U.S. When every pet owner takes responsibility for pet overpopulation, we'll see an end to the suffering it causes. It's best for society and best for the animals.
Spaying your female pet will keep packs of males from invading your property when she comes into heat and will keep her in better health as well. The chance of breast cancer is reduced and you won't have to worry about pyometritis (an infected uterus).
Neutering a male will reduce his desire to roam and fight, which you neighbors will appreciate. Moreover, that one simple procdue in a cat will spare you years of trying to remove the offensive odor of tomcat urine from your homje. Contraary to popular belief, neutered pets do not automatically get far. Because they may be less active, they may burn less energy.
In 2008, the Humane Society was very excited to be able to have every dog and cat altered prior to adoption.
Chaining Dogs: The chaining of dogs is both inhumane and a threat to the safety of the confined animals, other animals and humans. A dog kept chained suffers immense psychological damage and can become highly aggressive. Unfortunately, the victims of this aggression are often children who approach the dog to pet it. Chained dogs can break free and a loose dog many remain aggressive. Due to his lack of socialization, he is likely to chase and attack unsuspecting passersby and pets.
Dogs forced to live on a chain make easy targets for other animals, humans, and biting insects. Dog's tethers can become entangled with other objects, which can choke or strangle the dogs to death. Chained dogs are also frequently the victims of irresponsible caretakes, from sporadic feedings and overturned water bowls to inadequate veterinary care.