Credit for the formation of the Siouxland Humane Society can be given to a group of "Sioux City’s leading citizens" who, in 1889, became interested in a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Their idea was directly based on a similar society newly formed in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Society adopted a constitution, and stated it’s "objects" in Article II of its constitution as follows:

"Its objects shall be to secure the enforcement of existing law for the prevention of cruelty and enactment of other laws as may be necessary for the the promotion of humane sentiments and practices in the city and elsewhere."

The initial Sioux City Humane Society disbanded around 1920 because of lack of interest and two years later was reorganized. The same report explains that "Old-timers recall that the city dog pound in those days was nothing more than a big cage on the river front where dogs were thrown in and left to fend for themselves and fight for the bones and scraps thrown to them. The first Humane Society animal shelter built to alleviate this condition also was located on the riverfront."

Reorganization of Sioux City’s Humane Society took place in 1922. Mrs. M.W. Baldwin, committee chairman and a name to soon become synonymous with Humane Society work in Sioux City, "enlisted animal lovers in a project of promoting humane education throughout the community…." When the project met with success, plans were formulated for the organization of a permanent humane society.

The Society held several tag and pencil days and rummage sales to obtain money for a satisfactory shelter. Public spirited citizens contributed funds and the city donated $1,000 toward the project because it meant the elimination of the old dog pound on the bank of the Missouri River. In 1925, the first shelter was built by Commer & Small along the Floyd River at 1926 Sixth Street. It was complete with offices, clubrooms and outdoor yards for the animals. Mrs. Baldwin was, incidentally, to be named city humane officer (without pay) at the new location. In 1936, flooding did considerable damage to the Sixth Street Shelter necessitating cleanup and repair with assistance of WPA workers. Animals at the shelter during the flooding, were sent to the homes of members for temporary shelter.

Due to dikes being built on the river, the Humane Society was relocated in 1937 to a building at 2200 Seventh Street. Another flood, this time in 1944, also caused additional work and concerns for the Seventh Street Shelter. This shelter was torn down due to an urban renewal project and the shelter again relocated to 1665 18th Street in 1965.

For over 30 years, the Siouxland Humane Society remained on 18th Street and continued its mission of compassion and caring for animals in the tri-state area. But age and years of use, took it’s toll on the building and, in 1999, after a 3 year capital campaign drive, a new 10,000 square foot state of the art facility was constructed at the present location at 1015 Tri-View Avenue.

Dedicated volunteers charted the course, held on over periodic bumpy paths and today continue to provide services and programs to prevent cruelty to animals in response to a changing community and culture. Programs focus not only on humane treatment for all animals, but on ever-expanding public service.




Assorted Meeting Minutes From The Past

May 13, 1926 – Annual meeting at Sioux City Public Library – Mrs. Baldwin read annual report. 1,180 dogs, 427 cats, 5 horses were taken into the shelter during the past year. Many complaints investigated regarding both people and animals. One arrest made. Eleven Smith School students put on a play. Much enjoyed. Little Ruth Walker sang and danced…Five new members taken in.

Feb. 1, 1927 – Nine members present. Set first Tuesday of each month as meeting day. Discussed crowded conditions at shelter, how to correct. A committee was appointed to study situation.

July 6, 1927 – Moved to offer $25 reward for names of persons poisoning domestic cats, birds and dogs. Moved to buy clipping machine for shelter. Committee appointed to have old horse drinking fountain located in suitable place.

June 5, 1928 – Mrs. Baldwin authorized to purchase a goat for the shelter.

Dec. 4, 1928 – Discussed matter of covering poultry brought to market by small shippers. Also conferred on poison law on sale of poisons. Discussed name change to Sioux City and Woodbury County Humane Society.

April 2, 1929 – Motion approved to send $5 to Anti-Steel Trap Society, Washington

Nov. 17, 1930 – Annual meeting was held at the YWCA. Six new members were accepted. Mrs. Baldwin's salary increased from $75 to $90 per month.

Sept. 14, 1931 – "Unusually large number" of animals received for four months, 1,390. Board members to attend trial of individual in police court and to make their presence known in other similar trials. Letter read from National Humane Society to protest proposed bull fight in Sorvcco, MN.

Nov. 30, 1931 – Total of 4,368 animals taken in during the year. Included dogs, cats, eight horses, three turtles, robins, 52 white rats, goats and a pony. Investigated 127 cases of cruelty. Sale of animals paid caretaker’s salary, gas and electricity.

Nov. 22, 1933 – Annual meeting at Professional Women’s Club with 31 members present. Total of 4,649 animals handled. Mrs. Baldwin’s car recorded 36,000 miles answering 2,700 calls. Read letter from National Humane Society advocating humane slaughter of food animals.

Aug. 10, 1936 – Reports on investigations including those into cock fighting in Plymouth County, cruelty at circuses and carnivals, neglected horses intended for fox farms and dog poisoners.

Sept. 7, 1937 – Members shown through newly completed shelter built at cost of $6,500. "A complete success, compact and convenient." Communications read on a number of barking dogs which have disturbed community citizens.