Charleston Animal Society turns 150 years old

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston Animal Society celebrates turning 150 years old on Thursday.

According to Charleston Animal Society, they were the first animal protection organization in South Carolina and one of the oldest in the entire country. In 1874, they were founded by a group of Charlestonians as the South Carolina Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“The 150 years of leadership, tradition, and excellence in improving the plight of animals and children illustrates what can be accomplished by a group of dedicated individuals and a committed community of compassionate citizens from one generation to another,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE. 

Nathaniel Russell Middleton served as the animal society’s first president, making combatting the neglect of working animals their first mission.

Officials say the organization was concerned about the inhumane shipping of cattle and the epidemic of stray dogs in the area. The organization’s first shelter was built downtown in Charleston in 1948.

To learn more about the Charleston Animal Society, visit their website here.