Our History
1887
In 1887, a group of animal lovers in Windham County formed The Brattleboro Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Mrs. Jennie B. Powers served as humane agent for both Windham County, VT and Cheshire County, NH. Armed with the powers of a deputy sheriff, Jennie worked tirelessly in the defense of animals.
She once jumped from a window in her Brattleboro home to stop a man from beating his horses. At the freight yards, she monitored the loading of cattle, inspecting them on the cars. At her own expense, she once fought in a court case against a man charged with starving his horse.
Photo courtesy of the Brattleboro Historical Society
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1968
In 1968, the organization gained 501(c)3 status under the new name, Windham County Humane Society (WCHS). In the early 1980s, WCHS was run out of an office in downtown Brattleboro, with no housing available for animals.
1989 to 1991
From 1989 to 1991, offices were rented at Linda and Henry Hellus’ farm. In 1992, the Humane Society moved to a group of cottages on Route 30, and the first animals were housed on-site in two small buildings. In the late 1990s, a dedicated group of volunteers raised the money to build a new facility, which opened to the public in April of 2000 – which is where you can visit us today, keeping the legacy of Jennie Powers alive, protecting and caring for the animals who share our lives.
2000 to 2020
The years 2000 to 2020 saw tremendous change in the animal welfare community that catapulted a new way of thinking about how to save animals’ lives. These years were tumultuous for the Humane Society as it nearly shuttered its doors when a cruelty case resulted in the seizure of several animals and their prolonged care. Fortunately, a dedicated board of directors and staff stayed strong.
In the years that followed, the organization became more financially stable and, under the executive directorship of Annie Guion, began to incorporate a newer way of operating into new innovative programs. She, along with Director of Operations, Keri Roberts, championed “open and positive pet adoptions,” expanded the veterinary care provided to the shelter animals, started community (owned animal) Spay/Neuter events, and launched Vermont’s first shelter-run owned pet veterinary program called the Pet Care Assistance Program. The results were impressive – increased adoptions, saving over 90% of the animals, and helping the public care for their pets!
Photo courtesy of the Brattleboro Historical Society
2020 to 2023
Post Covid Years - The board raised additional funds for the building and, along with a generous bequest, was financially able to begin expanding and renovating the shelter.