Monadnock Humane Society’s 150th Anniversary Timeline

150 Years of Compassion: A Timeline of Monadnock Humane Society's Impact

1875

1875

The first laws prohibiting the maltreatment of animals appeared and humane societies were established throughout the country. A group of women in Keene met to discuss animal cruelty and founded the Keene Humane Society on December 2, 1875.

1914

1914

The Keene Humane Society grows to provide service for all of Cheshire County and is renamed the Cheshire County Humane Society.

1920-1930’s

1920-1930’s

Jennie B. Powers was hired as Humane Agent for the Keene Humane Society. She became passionate about animal welfare after noticing the abuse and neglect animals were suffering as she was helping women and children in the Monadnock region. Legislation creates state and federal agencies for the protection of women…Read More

1950’s

1950’s

Animal cruelty cases consume much of the Cheshire County Humane Society’s resources and time. However, pet overpopulation becomes a serious problem, with ever increasing numbers of dogs and cats being left by the county’s road sides.

1967

1967

Jennie B. Powers Memorial Shelter was opened by the Cheshire County Humane Society on almost 250 acres of mostly donated land in Swanzey, NH.

1970

1970

A new name: We became Monadnock Region Humane Society. Focus began to shift to animal welfare, rather than simply cruelty prevention. People began to think about the relationship between animals and humans.