Windsor/Essex Humane Society kicks off centennial, looks ahead to next 100 years

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society is celebrating 100 years and looking forward to the next 100. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell has the details.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society (WECHS) marked the start of its 100th anniversary celebrations Thursday, reflecting on a century of changing attitudes toward animals while launching a fundraising campaign aimed at sustaining its work into the future.

Founded in 1926, the organization has evolved from modest beginnings into a regional animal welfare agency focused on rehabilitation, medical care, and adoption, executive director Lynnette Bain said during a media event at the shelter on Provincial Road.

“I think it means a lot to the staff to know they’re part of something bigger than what we do every day,” Bain said.

“To know that there’s so many people that walked before us that had dreams and had a vision for what a humane community could look like.”

Bain noted that companion animals were far less common in households a century ago compared to today, where dogs, cats, and other pets are often considered part of the family.

“Our focus remains on helping animals that don’t have a home to be rehabilitated, undergo medical treatment, and then find their forever homes,” she said.

“I think our team is so proud of the work that’s been done. And then what opportunities we have for the future to keep evolving, evolve in that work, and be there for those animals that don’t have a voice. And keep investing in our staff, investing in our facility, and our programs so we can continue to be sustainable for the next hundred years.”

The Humane Society’s roots date back to the appointment of the first humane officer in Windsor as part of the local police force in 1926, alongside early grassroots animal rescue efforts led by a woman working out of her backyard, Bain said. Those efforts eventually merged, leading to the incorporation of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society in the 1940s and the opening of its first shelter in the 1950s.

The current shelter opened in 1971 and has expanded over the decades to include a public veterinary clinic and dog park.

While the organization no longer conducts humane investigations — a responsibility now overseen by provincial animal welfare services — Bain said the Humane Society continues to support those efforts by providing medical care, boarding, and advocacy.

“We work hand-in-hand with them,” she explained.

“We just don’t press the charges anymore. But we support those efforts. We’re strong advocates and we’re lobbying for change. Like, right now, we’re working with the ministry to lobby for the prevention of cosmetic procedures on animals. So, there’s always some activity around that.”

One of the organization’s newer initiatives includes the Helping Paws mobile veterinary clinic, aimed at supporting pet owners facing financial hardship. Bain said medical-related surrenders are among the most common issues the Humane Society is seeing.

“What we’re seeing right now is medical cases,” she said.

“People not being able to afford care. Our goal is always to reunite people with their animals and help get them nursing back to health.”

As part of the centennial kickoff, the Humane Society launched its Fuel the Future campaign, seeking to raise $100,000 to purchase two new animal rescue and relief vehicles. Bain said the organization relies heavily on donations, with existing vehicles nearing 400,000 kilometres and almost a decade in service.

“With new vehicles, we can be more present in the community and provide a more stable future,” Bain noted.

The campaign has already received a boost from an anonymous donor, with more than $37,000 pledged toward the goal.

Essex County Warden and Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald praised the organization’s longevity, noting the Humane Society predates many local landmarks including the Ambassador Bridge and Windsor pizza.

“To think that an organization started a hundred years ago when people were not even so appreciative of life. But you appreciated the life of the animals, the care of animals, making sure that they were safe, that they were well taken care of and then transporting them to good homes. And to me, that’s a legacy.,” she said.

“Not a whole lot of organizations have a legacy of 100 years.”

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens also acknowledged the Humane Society’s role as a safety net for both animals and residents.

“There needs to be an organization like this in every community,” Dilkens said.

“It’s nice knowing as a community member that there is a safe place where pets are taken care of and where they can find a forever home. And in our community, it’s the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society.”

Centennial celebrations will continue throughout the year, including fundraising events, community outreach initiatives and a public open house marking the organization’s 100th birthday in September.