CLICK ON THE WHAT'S NEW LINK FOR INFORMATION ON THE LATEST EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE ANIMAL CENTER.

We've Changed Our Name!

We have been the Brown County Humane Society since 1974!

For over 30 years we have operated under that name, and the decision to change it does not come lightly. There are several reasons that prompted the change. One of the most important was to honor one of the Humane Society's greatest advocates that recently passed away.

Corinne T. Smith was instrumental in founding the Humane Society and was director of the shelter for over 20 years. We felt that due to all her hard work and dedication, it would be an honor to name the shelter after her memory.

Another reason for the change is that it fostered many misconceptions about the shelter, mainly that we are a county office or supported by Brown County. This common idea is not true. In comparison to other municipalities, the county gives us the least support per animal that they bring into the shelter.

Another common misconception associated with being called a "humane society" is that we are somehow affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Although this organization does many important things, funding local shelters is not one of them. Therefore, many people mistakenly believe that when they donate to the HSUS, they are helping the local shelter. Although we did receive a grant this year from the HSUS for a new program, this is the first time we have ever had any support from that organization.

The final reason for the name change is that it reflects our changing vision. We are working hard to become an Animal Center - a place that people come to enjoy likfe, not just look for a pet. Although pet adoption is still a crucial part of our program, our transition to an Animal Center means developing programs that provide education, support and recreation for animal lovers in Brown County! Click on some of the links to the left to learn more!