The history of the Bahamas Humane Society is very much tied to the history of Freeport itself. Established in 1968 “to protect God’s Creatures in times of trouble on Grand Bahama Island” during the early days of Freeport when the pioneer spirit very much prevailed, the shelter was officially opened on 10th September of 1970, in a ceremony officiated by then Governor General of the Bahamas, Sir Francis Cumming-Bruce, accompanied by his wife, Lady Cumming-Bruce.
The founder of the Society, Mae Dunn, served as The Bahamas Humane Society’s first president. The shelter on Cedar Street in the downtown business section of Freeport saw thousands of animals pass through its doors, many of them finding wonderful and caring homes. Governed consistently through the years by a Board of Directors, until 2004, the shelter was operated by dedicated volunteers. In 2004, the GB Port Authority contracted with the HSGB to provide Animal Control for the city of Freeport. In the last decade the demand for animal services and the pet population became such that the HSGB now has a regular staff of 26 to care for the average 200 dogs and 75 cats in residence at the new shelter on Coral Road.
Past presidents have included Founder Mae Dunn, Julie Lewery, Norma Clee, Patsy Gape, Ivy Lowe, Pauline Young, Quinten Young, Jan Lowe, Jacqueline Purdham, Chris Johnston and Tiffany Dennison. The current president is Joseph Darville. In 1998 Frances Singer-Hayward was appointed Honourary Chairman.
In 2000 Mrs. Hayward founded the Spay/Neuter Campaign, wherein indigent pet owners could redeem vouchers issued by the HSGB at a local veterinarian and receive free spays and neuters. The Grand Bahama Port Authority began funding the program in 2001, which continues today via the HSGB vet clinic, and provides for the sterilization of up to 560 pets annually.
In 2007 the HSGB, with partner The Kohn Foundation held the first field spay/neuter clinic in the B.A.R.C.-A.N.E.W. (Bahamian Animal Rescue Committee - Animal Neutering, Education & Welfare) project. Three major field clinics and two mini-clinics have been held thus far with over 600 pets sterilized.
Operation Puppy Lift was established in 2004; since its inception over 1000 dogs and puppies have been “airlifted” to the U.S. to private homes or no-kill rescues/shelters to find their forever homes.
After years of planning and fundraising, Phase One of our new facility is finally a reality. Construction commenced in earnest in August 2007 and the Grand Opening was held June 21, 2008. The new Animal Welfare and Adoption Centre is located on 2.5 acres with plenty of room for future expansion.
