American Humane Society: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|American animal and child welfare organization}}

vg jh kyj ghjg hjkg kjhgjhjhgThe '''American Humane Association''' is an organization founded in [[1877]] dedicated to the welfare of animals and children.<ref>{{cite book| author=White, John H., Jr.| title=The American Railroad Freight Car| publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press| ___location=Baltimore and London| year=1993| id=ISBN 0-8018-5236-6| pages=p 257 }}</ref>

{{pp|small=yes}}

{{hatnote|Not to be confused with [[Humane World for Animals]], formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.}}

{{Redirect|No animals were harmed|the 2011 book|No Animals Were Harmed (book)}}

{{Self-published|date=July 2025}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}}

{{Infobox organization

| name = American Humane Society

| formation = {{start date and age|1877|10|09}}

| image = American Humane Society Logo Circa 2025.png

| type = Non-profit

| founder =

| origins =

| key_people =

| region = United States

| product =

| focus = [[Animal welfare]], [[Child protection|child welfare]]

| location_city = Washington, D.C.

| location_city2 = Los Angeles

| revenue = $68,000,000

| staff = 143<ref name="americanhumane2012">{{cite web |title=Form 990 |publisher=American Humane |url=http://www.americanhumane.org/assets/aha-finance/2012-form-990.pdf |year=2012 |access-date=January 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209091151/http://www.americanhumane.org/assets/aha-finance/2012-form-990.pdf |archive-date=December 9, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

| owner =

| dissolved =

| website = https://www.americanhumane.org/

}}

The '''American Humane Society''' (previously '''American Humane'''), is an American [[animal welfare]] organization founded in 1877 committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals. 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 AHA's Film and Television Unit has monitored the welfare of animals during the production of films and television programs since [[1940]]. They are the source of the familiar disclaimer "No animals were harmed...", which is a registered [[trademark]] of the AHA. The Unit's creation was pvhvgmhgbkic ghc jhg hjhkjhkjhkkj nbkjjnjbjk jknjk hnmrompted by a scene in the [[1939]] film ''[[Jesse James (1939 film)|Jesse James]]'' in which a blindfolded horse was ridden off a cliff to its death.shit

The organization also rescues animals following natural disasters, and runs programs that certify farms, zoos, and aquariums, among other institutions for the humane treatment of animals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/ |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=American Humane Society |language=en-US }}</ref>

American Humane Society is headquartered in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2011/02/14/american-humane-association-moving-hq.html |title=American Humane Association moving HQ from Colorado to D.C. |work=[[American City Business Journals#Newspapers|Denver Business Journal]] |date=February 14, 2011 |access-date=February 28, 2013 }}</ref> It is a section [[501(c)(3) organization|501(c)(3)]] nonprofit organization.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/animal-protection/american-humane-association-in-washington-dc-105/tax-status |title=American Humane Association: Tax Status |access-date=March 4, 2013 |publisher=[[Better Business Bureau]] |archive-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015035036/http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/animal-protection/american-humane-association-in-washington-dc-105/tax-status |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==History==

[[File:The American Humane Association 1919.png|thumb|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.<ref name=Renzetti>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BOKAMXEA_jQC&q=american+humane+association+founding+1877&pg=PT57 |title=Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Violence, Volume 1 |publisher=[[SAGE Publications]] |year=2008 |author1=Claire M. Renzetti |author2=Jeffrey L. Edleson |access-date=February 28, 2013 |isbn=9781412918008 }}</ref> 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 [[New York (state)|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.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5VwPAAAAIAAJ&q=American+Humane+Association+report+on+accident&pg=RA4-PA17 |title=Doings of the Annual Meeting, Volumes 1 |publisher=American Humane Association |access-date=February 28, 2013 |year=1877 |pages=5–7 }}</ref>

The International Humane Association changed its name to the "American Humane Association" in November 1878.<ref>''Doings of the Annual Meeting, Volumes 1'', p. 19</ref> 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 [[Washington, D.C.|District of Columbia]]. Canadian regions were also included in the Association.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5VwPAAAAIAAJ&q=American+Humane+Association+report+on+accident&pg=RA4-PA17 |title=Doings of the Annual Meeting, Volumes 2 |publisher=American Humane Association |access-date=February 28, 2013 |year=1878 |pages=8–9 }}</ref> From 1892 to 1900, [[Francis H. Rowley]] was Secretary of the American Humane Association.<ref name="Biography 1961">[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015078229294&view=1up&seq=402 ''The National Cyclopædia of American Biography, Volume 43'']. (1961). New York: James T. White & Company. pp. 206-207</ref>

In 1916, American Humane Society founded [[Red Star Rescue|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]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Colorado Floods: American Humane Association's Red Star™ rescue team mobilizes to help animal victims |url=http://www.mars.com/global/press-center/press-list/news-releases.aspx?SiteId=94&Id=5088 |website=Mars.com |access-date=March 3, 2015 }}</ref> 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.<ref>[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112045530661&view=1up&seq=8&size=125 ''The American Humane Association'']. Volume 5, No. 1. (January 1917).</ref>

American Humane Society began its work in film in 1940 after an incident that occurred on the set of the film ''[[Jesse James (1939 film)|Jesse James]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/02/130224-oscars-movies-animals-chimps-photography-pictures-dorothy-lamour-jiggs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225074345/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/02/130224-oscars-movies-animals-chimps-photography-pictures-dorothy-lamour-jiggs/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 25, 2013 |title=Dorothy Lamour never got nominated for an Oscar, while a chimp never could |date=February 24, 2013 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |work=[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]] |author=Johnna Rizzo }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2006-03-15-reel-apes-campaign_x.htm |title=Groups targeting Humane Association over treatment of apes in movies |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=March 15, 2006 |access-date=February 28, 2013 }}</ref> The horse fell over 70 feet to the ground below and broke its spine, having to be put down afterwards.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LA&p_theme=la&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=109C92605ED69E3D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Hollywood Under Fire in Death of 2nd Horse |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Daily News]] |access-date=February 28, 2013 |date=April 28, 2005}}{{dead link |date=April 2025 }}</ref> In 1966, American Humane Society's access to some sets was diminished for 14 years following the dismantling of the [[Motion Picture Production Code|Hays Office]], during which time their jurisdiction was lessened.

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.<ref>P. Parkes and J. Sichel, The Humane Society of the United States 1954-1979: Twenty Five Years of Growth and Achievement, Washington, 1979, 3</ref>

American Humane Society's first "No Animals Were Harmed" end credit was issued at the end of the movie ''[[The Doberman Gang]]'' in 1972.<ref name="History and Milestones">{{cite web |title=History and Milestones |url=http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/who-we-are/history/ |website=American Humane Association |access-date=March 3, 2015 }}</ref> And since then, the group has launched programs to certify the humane treatment of animals at a wide variety of institutions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=% |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/what-we-do/ |access-date=June 13, 2025 |website=American Humane Society |language=en-US }}</ref>

In 1980,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/cruelcamera/humane.html |publisher=[[CBC News]] |title=PROFILE: American Humane |access-date=February 28, 2013 |author=The Fifth Estate |author-link=The Fifth Estate (TV series) }}</ref> following the release of ''[[Heaven's Gate (film)|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&nbsp;– including the deaths of five horses&nbsp;– the Screen Actors Guild negotiated for the universal presence of American Humane Society on the set as part of its union deal, forcing filmmakers to contact American Humane Society in advance of any animal being present on set.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XhYpAAAAIBAJ&pg=7138,69859&dq=1980+heaven's+gate+american+humane+association&hl=en |author=Lisa Wolfson |title=The Humane Society keeps film set abuse down |access-date=March 4, 2013 |date=August 1, 1987 |work=[[Deseret News]] }}</ref>

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 and is now referred to as the American Humane Certified Farm Program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Farms |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/what-we-do/certify-humane-treatment/farms/ |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=American Humane Society |language=en-US }}</ref>

In 2025, the organization changed its name to "American Humane Society".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marks |first=Trish |date=January 6, 2025 |title=Introducing the Next Era for American Humane |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/introducing-a-new-era-for-american-humane-society/ |access-date=February 16, 2025 |website=American Humane Society |language=en-US }}</ref>

==Programs==

===No Animals Were Harmed Certification ===

The American Humane Society's No Animals Were Harmed certification program oversees animals used during unionized 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.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7Gwqd60SwfYC&q=American+Humane+Association+film+unit&pg=PT483 |title=The Complete Film Production Handbook |author=Eve Light Honthaner |access-date=February 28, 2013 |year=2013 |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |isbn=9781136053054 }}</ref> Because of this, the 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.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t9tQeeP0ICUC&q=No+Animals+Were+Harmed+in+the+Making+of+This+Motion+Picture&pg=PA160 |page=160 |title=Empire Movie Miscellany: Instant Film Buff Status Guaranteed |year=2012 |publisher=[[Random House]] |author=Empire |isbn=9781448132911 |author-link=Empire (film magazine) }}</ref> American Humane Society also reports on animal safety during filming if public concerns arise or if animal accidents happen on the set.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/10/26/american_humane_investigates_horse_death |access-date=February 28, 2013 |title=American Humane Investigates Horse Injury on Set of Russell Crowe's '3:10 To Yuma' |date=October 26, 2006 |publisher=Star Pulse |archive-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015080530/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/10/26/american_humane_investigates_horse_death |url-status=dead }}</ref> American Humane Society protects the animals on the set as well as the cast/crew members who interact with the animals.<ref name=bro>{{cite web |url=http://www.americanhumanefilmtv.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/pya-brochure.pdf |page=4 |title=Protecting Your Ass* From Harm |author=American Human Association |publisher=American Human Film & Television Units |access-date=February 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620003826/http://www.americanhumanefilmtv.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/pya-brochure.pdf |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The society's standard of animal care was established in 1988 and continues to evolve. It covers all living creatures.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J7ATQb6LZX0C&q=Guidelines+for+the+Safe+Use+of+Animals+in+Filmed+Media&pg=PT704 |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |title=The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined |author=Steven Pinker |year=2011 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |isbn=9781101544648 }}</ref> On the set, representatives attempt to ensure the guidelines are upheld.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8zPLTtjCGAsC&q=Certified+Animal+Safety+Representatives&pg=PT309 |title=Writing Movies for Fun and Profit: How We Made a Billion Dollars at the Box Office and You Can, Too! |author=Thomas Lennonand Robert B Garant |year=2011 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |isbn=978-1439186770 }}</ref> American Humane Society's oversight includes film, television, commercials, music videos, and internet productions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elayne-boosler/american-humane-associatin-animal-cruelty_b_1383481.html |date=March 27, 2012 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |author=Elayne Boosler |title=Yes, Animals Were Harmed in the Making of This Motion Picture |work=[[HuffPost]] }}</ref>

The Screen Actors Guild{{snd}}and thus the American Humane Society{{snd}}have no jurisdiction concerning non-American and non-union productions.<ref name="animalpeoplenews">Animal People, 2013 Animal People Watchdog Report, 5, http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/watchdog_report.html {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907060407/http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/watchdog_report.html |date=September 7, 2014 }}</ref>

In 2024, American Humane Society reported supervising 1,000 productions in 25 countries, protecting 100,000 animal actors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=No Animals Were Harmed™ |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/what-we-do/certify-humane-treatment/no-animals-were-harmed/ |access-date=April 9, 2025 |website=American Humane Society |language=en-US }}</ref>

It's possible to see and search for the certification of a past film production or currently-released film productions through their Humane Hollywood website.<ref name="z5742">{{cite web |title=Productions Archive |url=https://humanehollywood.org/production/ |access-date=July 17, 2025 |website=Humane Hollywood }}</ref>

====Standards====

American Humane currently has four certifications with unique qualifications, which are as follow:<ref name="r464">{{cite web |title=Certified Productions |website=Humane Hollywood |date=November 27, 2019 |url=https://humanehollywood.org/certified-productions/#:~:text=Certification%20Details |access-date=July 16, 2025 }}</ref>

<u>•Full Certification:</u> American Humane’s Safety Representatives were on set to ensure the safety of the animals throughout production. After a screening of the finished product and cross-checking all animal action, American Humane determines the film met or exceeded Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media and, is awarded the end credit disclaimer “No Animals Were Harmed.”

<u>•Modified Certification:</u> American Humane’s Safety Representatives were not able to monitor every scene in which animals appeared. However, American Humane oversaw significant animal action filmed in compliance with American Humane's Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. After screening the finished product and cross-checking all animal action supervised during production, American Humane acknowledges that the filmmakers have cooperated fully with their process.

<u>•Not Monitored</u>: The production did not seek monitoring oversight from American Humane’s Safety Representatives during filming and American Humane cannot attest to the treatment of the animal actors or know whether American Humane's Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media were followed.

<u>•Special Circumstances:</u> The current definition of this is unknown and is only described as special circumstances. Previously, in the former rating system, it was given when productions followed guidelines and there was cooperation with representatives, and yet, an incident occurred (injury, death, etc.) and it was determined the production or animal suppliers had no negligence or malice.<ref name="d096">{{cite web |title=Detailed Discussion of the Legal Protections of Animals in Filmed Media |website=Animal Legal & Historical Center |date=January 1, 2012 |url=https://www.animallaw.info/article/detailed-discussion-legal-protections-animals-filmed-media#:~:text=http://www.americanhumanefilmtv.org/ |access-date=July 16, 2025 }}</ref>

The previous ratings system that was used had the following ratings: Outstanding, Acceptable, Special Circumstances, Unacceptable, Production Compliant, and Not Monitored.<ref name="d096"/>

===Certified Farm Program===

{{Main|American Humane Certified}}

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.<ref name="growinggeorgia.com">{{cite web |title=American Humane Association Certifies the Welfare of Nearly One Billion Farm Animals |url=http://growinggeorgia.com/news/2013/09/american-humane-association-certifies-welfare-nearly-one-billion-farm-animals/ |website=Growing Georgia |access-date=March 3, 2015 }}</ref>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 covers more than one billion farm animals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Farms |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/what-we-do/certify-humane-treatment/farms/ |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=American Humane Society |language=en-US }}</ref>

=== Certified Zoos & Aquariums ===

The American Humane Society also certifies zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks for the humane treatment of animals. The benchmarks in which facilities are judged are developed by the organization’s Scientific Advisory Committee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zoos & Aquariums |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/what-we-do/certify-humane-treatment/zoos-aquariums/ |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=American Humane Society |language=en-US }}</ref>As of 2024, the American Humane Society certifies 85 zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks across 17 countries.

===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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/military-heroes-hero-dogs/story?id=17237475#.UOSW_KzheSo |title=Military Heroes and Their Hero Dogs |date=September 19, 2012 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |author=Christina Ng |publisher=[[ABC World News Tonight]] }}</ref> In 2011 and 2012 the awards were broadcast on the [[Hallmark Channel]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/blogs/post.aspx?Kristin_Chenoweth_to_host_Hero_Dog_Awards_show_/29-17101 |title=Kristin Chenoweth to host 'Hero Dog Awards' show |newspaper=[[Tulsa World]] |access-date=February 28, 2013 |date=September 26, 2012 }}</ref> 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. Roselle died several months before the winner was announced. The award was given on November 11, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sectionfront/life/pet-tales-heroes-in-the-spotlight-guide-dog-honored-for-leading-her-human-to-safety-on-911-321405/ |author=Linda Wilson Fuoco |work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |title=Pet Tales -- Heroes in the spotlight: Guide dog honored for leading her human to safety on 9/11 |access-date=March 4, 2013 |date=October 29, 2011 }}</ref>

===Red Star Rescue===

{{Main|Red Star 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."<ref name=Times /> Now called America Humane Society Red Star Animal Rescue, disasters in which the group has rescued animals include the [[2011 Joplin tornado]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sj-r.com/joplin-tornado/x1836096863/American-Humane-Association-to-help-animal-victims-of-Joplin-disaster |title=American Humane Association to help animal victims of Joplin disaster |date=May 25, 2011 |newspaper=[[The State Journal-Register]] }}</ref> [[Hurricane Katrina]], the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chicagonow.com/steve-dales-pet-world/2011/01/robin-ganzert-steers-american-humane-association-from-a-celebrated-past-into-a-promising-future/ |author=Steve Dale |access-date=March 4, 2013 |date=January 27, 2011 |title=Robin Ganzert Steers American Humane Association from a Celebrated Past into A Promising Future |publisher=[[ChicagoNow]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130109/http://www.chicagonow.com/steve-dales-pet-world/2011/01/robin-ganzert-steers-american-humane-association-from-a-celebrated-past-into-a-promising-future/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Hurricane Sandy]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.today.com/pets/rush-rescue-animals-stranded-sandys-wake-1C6763086?franchiseSlug=petsmain |title=Rush is on to rescue animals stranded in Sandy's wake |date=October 30, 2012 |access-date=March 4, 2013 |author=Laura T. Coffey |work=[[Today (U.S. TV program)|Today]] }}</ref> the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]], and the [[September 11 attacks]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=HESB&p_theme=hesb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11A4DDAA7488BB00&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Animal rescue group shows off big rig |date=July 9, 2007 |access-date=March 4, 2013 |author=Erin Thompson |newspaper=The Evening Sun }}</ref>.

American Humane Society have units stationed across the country to rescue animals in crisis. It includes emergency response vehicles customized to help animals in disasters, as well as rescue equipment designed for animal search and rescue.<ref name=Times>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RZYlAAAAIBAJ&pg=6923,1585878&dq=red+star+animal+emergency+services+1916&hl=en |title=Rig headed to area to mark SPCA event |date=June 16, 2007 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |work=[[The Gettysburg Times]] }}</ref>

===Child Welfare===

American Humane Society previously managed initiatives to improve child welfare services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Children |url=http://www.americanhumane.org/children/ |website=American Humane |access-date=March 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311225407/http://www.americanhumane.org/children/ |archive-date=March 11, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Front Porch Project was launched in 1997 to prevent child abuse and neglect.<ref>{{cite web |title=Children |url=http://americanhumane.org/children/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20110408114145/http://www.americanhumane.org/children/ |archive-date=April 8, 2011 |access-date=March 3, 2015 |website=American Humane Association }}</ref> Meanwhile, the Fatherhood Initiative helped to develop better methods of engaging non-resident fathers with children who are in the welfare system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fatherhood Initiative |url=http://www.americanhumane.org/children/programs/fatherhood-initiative/ |website=American Humane Association |access-date=March 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216181945/http://www.americanhumane.org/children/programs/fatherhood-initiative/ |archive-date=February 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Military Working Dog Reunification ===

American Humane Society operates a program that reunites retired military working dogs with their former handlers. American Humane Society pays to transport the dogs to the former handlers and covers veterinary care for the dogs for the remainder of their lives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shafiq |first=Saman |title=Watch military dog who protected Trump, Biden reunite with former handler |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/pets/2025/05/31/military-dog-protected-trump-biden-reunion-former-handler/83917822007/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> This program was formalized in 2021, when American Humane Society created an official Military Working Dog Reunification Fund.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=American Humane Reunites Retired Military Working Dog with Handler in Pastoral North Carolina |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-humane-reunites-retired-military-working-dog-with-handler-in-pastoral-north-carolina-301342913.html |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Pups4Patriots ===

American Humane Society operates the Pups4Patriots program, which connects veterans and first responders suffering from [[Post-traumatic stress disorder|Post-Traumatic Stress]] and [[Traumatic brain injury|Traumatic Brain Injury]] with [[Assistance dog|service dogs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donnelly |first=Shannon |title=Palm Beach Society: Service dog program supporters sit, stay, speak... and enjoy |url=https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/story/entertainment/2021/04/15/palm-beach-supporters-service-dog-training-program-honor-graduates/7222307002/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=Palm Beach Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref> American Humane Society pays the associated training and adoption costs for the veteran and first responder recipients of the program.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-29 |title=Healing heroes: How service dogs transform the lives of first responders |url=https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/healing-heroes-how-service-dogs-transform-the-lives-of-first-responders |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=Police1 |language=en-US}}</ref> The program has provided approximately 300 dogs to veterans and first responders in total.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=2025-03-27 |title=Pups4Patriots - Palm Beach Florida Weekly |url=https://palmbeach.floridaweekly.com/articles/pups4patriots/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=Palm Beach Florida Weekly -}}</ref>

=== Global Humane Society ===

Global Humane Society is the international brand of American Humane Society. Global Humane Society has a certification program for international zoos, aquariums, and tourism destinations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weissmann |first=Emma |date=2023-10-07 |title=Global Humane Launches New Animal Welfare Certification for Travel Companies |url=https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Opinion/humane-wildlife-experiences |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=www.travelagewest.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Global Humane Society awards the annual Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation to someone who makes a significant contribution to conservation.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Global Humane Awards Prof. Theo B. Pagel with the 2023 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-humane-awards-prof-theo-b-pagel-with-the-2023-wolfgang-kiessling-international-prize-for-species-conservation-301926502.html |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> The group also oversees a nature preserve in [[South Africa]], where it operates a [[rewilding]] program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Guy |date=2025-05-01 |title=Boost for Bushmans rewilding |url=https://www.talkofthetown.co.za/2025/05/01/boost-for-bushmans-rewilding/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=Talk of the Town |language=en-GB}}</ref> Prior to 2025, Global Humane Society was known as Global Humane.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2025 |title=American Humane Society launches Global Humane Society in Palm Beach |url=https://www.citybiz.co/article/673322/american-humane-society-launches-global-humane-society-in-palm-beach/ |website=CityBiz}}</ref>  

==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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2025 |title=Annual Report 2024 |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/publication/annual-report-2024/ |access-date=March 3, 2025 |website=American Humane Society |language=en-US }}</ref>

The organization closed its Denver, Colorado office in 2011 and moved its operations to Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |title=American Humane Association moving HQ from Colorado to D.C. |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2011/02/14/american-humane-association-moving-hq.html |work=Denver Business Journal }}</ref>

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.<ref name="animalpeoplenews" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-jan-09-la-et-ct-aha-chair-resignation-20130109-story.html |title=American Humane Assn. board Chairman Eric Bruner resigns |work=Los Angeles Times |date=January 9, 2013 |access-date=June 9, 2014 }}</ref>

==People==

[[File:John G. Shortall (1837 or 1838 – 1908).png|thumb|50px|John G. Shortall]]

[[File:John Louis Shortall (1865–1934).png|thumb|50px|John L. Shortall]]

* James Brown

* John G. Shortall (1837&ndash;1908), president (1884&ndash;1885, 1892&ndash;1898)

* John L. Shortall

* [[Nora Trueblood Gause]] (1851&ndash;1955), recipient, "American Humane Award" (1952)

* Elbridge T. Gerry, III president (1888)

* [[Peter G. Gerry]]

* [[Mary Frances Lovell]], vice-president

* [[Francis H. Rowley]], secretary (1892&ndash;1900)<ref name="Biography 1961"/>

* [[Albert Leffingwell (physician)|Albert Leffingwell]], M.D., president (1904)

* [[William Olin Stillman]], president (1904&ndash;1924)<ref name="nysl.nysed.gov">{{cite web |url=http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc23138.htm |title=William Olin Stillman Papers: Manuscripts and Special Collections: New York State Library |publisher=Nysl.nysed.gov |access-date=June 9, 2014 }}</ref>

* Frank L. Baldwin, vice president (1923)<ref>{{cite news |title=Denounce Wearing of Bird Feathers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/10/23/archives/denounce-wearing-of-bird-feathers-humane-conference-speakers-also.html |quote=Dr. Frank L. Baldwin, Vice President of American Humane Society [sic], under the auspices of Which the conference was called, characterized New York as 'the mecca of humane workers and the birthplace of the humanitarian movement.' |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 23, 1923 |access-date=November 4, 2012 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

* [[Robin Ganzert]], president and CEO (since 2010)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/news/sept-1-american-humane-association-aetna-foundation-dave-thomas-foundation-and-more |date=September 1, 2010 |access-date=March 4, 2013 |title=American Humane Association, Aetna Foundation, Dave Thomas Foundation, and more |work=Philanthropy Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220090836/http://philanthropyjournal.org/news/sept-1-american-humane-association-aetna-foundation-dave-thomas-foundation-and-more |archive-date=December 20, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Other organization staff include program leaders that oversee the operations of initiatives ranging from No Animals Were Harmed to zoo and aquarium certifications.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leadership and Board |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/leadership-and-board/#officers |access-date=March 3, 2025 |website=American Humane Society |language=en-US }}</ref>

==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 (1987 film)|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&nbsp;million suit for [[Defamation|libel, slander]] and [[Expectation of privacy|invasion of privacy]] against Barker.<ref name=SFH>{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20121207,00.html |title=Speaking Up for 'Abused' Animals, Bob Barker Is Hit with a Lawsuit |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=September 18, 1989 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |author1=Lucinda Smith |author2=Leah Feldon |author3=Eleanor Hoover }}</ref> American Humane Society claimed that there had been a two-year "[[Feud|vendetta]]" against them behind the accusations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19890830&id=kPwRAAAAIBAJ&pg=5267,6009396 |title=Game Show Host Sued For Libel |newspaper=[[The Spokesman-Review]] |date=August 31, 1989 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |access-date=February 28, 2013 |page=A7 }}</ref> In a series of public advertisements along with the $10&nbsp;million libel suit, American Humane Society stated that the allegations were made based on insufficient and misleading information.<ref name=SFH /> The suit was eventually settled by Barker's insurance company, which paid American Humane Society $300,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LA&p_theme=la&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EF66A158B43F4AC&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Animal Board Official Seeks Conflict-of-Interest Probe |date=March 30, 1994 |access-date=March 4, 2013 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Daily News]] }}</ref>

''[[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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-feb-09-mn-23161-story.html |title=Questions Raised About Group That Watches Out for Animals in Movies |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=February 9, 2001 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |author1=Ralph Frammolino |author2=James Bates }}</ref>

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. For example, during the filming of ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'', 27 animals died. Nevertheless, the movie received a "No Animals Were Harmed" disclaimer. During the filming of the movie ''[[Life of Pi (film)|Life of Pi]]'', the tiger "King" nearly drowned in a pool, yet this incident was not reported outside of the American Humane Society organization.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/animals-were-harmed-hollywood-reporter-investigation-on-set-injury-death-cover-ups-659556 Animals were harmed]</ref>

In early 2017, [[CNN]] reported that American Humane Society's representative for the movie ''[[A Dog's Purpose (film)|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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/18/entertainment/a-dogs-purpose-disturbing-video/index.html |title='A Dog's Purpose' faces backlash after 'disturbing' video surfaces |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |author1=Sandra Gonzalez }}</ref> A third-party report later found that the video was "deliberately edited for the purpose of misleading the public and stoking public outrage."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/04/entertainment/a-dogs-purpose-disturbing-video-investigation/ |title='A Dog's Purpose' video mischaracterized events, investigation finds |first=Kelly |last=McCleary |date=February 5, 2017 |publisher=CNN |access-date=June 16, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-dogs-purpose-abuse-investigation-20170204-story.html |title='A Dog's Purpose' leaked video that raised concerns was misleadingly edited: report |first=Tribune news |last=services |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=February 4, 2017 |access-date=June 16, 2018 }}</ref>

==Publications==

The American Humane Society published ''The National Humane Review'' in 1913 which later became the ''American Humane Magazine'' up until 1978.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2024 |title=The National Humane Review |url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008955710 |website=Hathitrust |pages=64 v |language=en-GB }}</ref><ref name="American Humane Magazine">{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=American Humane Magazine 1913-1978 |url=https://archive.org/details/pub_american-humane-magazine?tab=about |website=Internet Archive |language=en-GB }}</ref> It was published quarterly by American Humane Association Animal Protection Division.<ref name="American Humane Magazine"/>

The society publishes an annual report and newsletter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=Publications |url=https://www.americanhumane.org/publications/ |website=American Humane |language=en-GB }}</ref> They have released books and publications including:

* ''The Humane Table: Cooking with Compassion'' (2022)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ganzert |first=Robin |title=The Humane Table: Cooking with Compassion |publisher=Greenleaf Book Group Press |isbn=978-1626349483 |publication-date=October 11, 2022 }}</ref>

* ''Mission Metamorphosis: Leadership in a Humane World'' (2020)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ganzert |first=Robin |title=Mission Metamorphosis: Leadership for a Humane World |date=October 20, 2020 |publisher=Greenleaf Book Group LLC |isbn=978-1732439184 |publication-date=October 20, 2020 }}</ref>

* ''Animal Stars: Behind the Scenes with Your Favorite Animal Actors'' (2014)<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Stars: Behind the Scenes With Your Favorite Animal Actors |url=https://www.looktothestars.org/news/12447-animal-stars-behind-the-scenes-with-your-favorite-animal-actors |website=Look to the Stars |date=August 15, 2014 |access-date=March 2, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=San Francisco Book Review |url=http://sanfranciscobookreview.com/2015/01/animal-stars-behind-the-scenes-with-your-favorite-animal-actors/ |website=Animal Stars: Behind The Scenes With your Favorite Animal Actors |access-date=March 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320042126/http://sanfranciscobookreview.com/2015/01/animal-stars-behind-the-scenes-with-your-favorite-animal-actors/ |archive-date=March 20, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* ''Pet Meets Baby'' (2011)<ref>{{cite web |title=Helpful Information |url=http://www.accvet.net/id-1512 |website=Accvet |access-date=March 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112141204/http://www.accvet.net/id-1512 |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==See also==

* [[Animals onin film and television]]

*[[Humane society]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

<references />

==Sources==

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

==External links==

*[http {{Official website|https://www.americanhumane.org American Humane Association]}}

*[http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pa_film AHA Film and Television Unit]

{{Animal welfare}}

*[http://slate.msn.com/id/2117565/ "No Animals Were Harmed...?"] by Daniel Engber, [[Slate.com]], April 27, 2005

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Animal welfare]]

[[Category:1877 establishments]]

[[Category:FilmOrganizations productionestablished in 1877]]

[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]

holy shit

[[Category:Animal welfare organizations based in the United States]]

[[Category:1877 establishments in the United States]]