The Greater Birmingham Humane Society is pleased to announce the celebration of its 130th anniversary in 2013. Dr. John Herbert Phillips founded the Birmingham Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals in 1883. It was the first humane society in the Southeast and one of the first 12 in the country. Celebrating their 130th Anniversary in 2013, the GBHS continues to follow Dr. Phillips’ vision and believes that teaching children compassion and empathy is the key to preventing both animal cruelty and human violence. 

As part of this year-long celebration, the GBHS will be running adoption specials, sharing its history on social media outlets, participating in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge and completing the final project of the 2010 comprehensive campaign, a play yard for all canines, set to open mid-summer. The play yard is a wonderful asset that has not previously been available at the GBHS. It will include a puppy area named “Sharon’s Spot” after GBHS Auxiliary member Sharon Pierce. It will allow puppies to be taken outside without the threat of cross-contamination from older dogs.  There will also be a large area for the older dogs to run and play, complete with a covered area with ceiling fans.