Our programmes include an active Spay/Neuter Campaign, (free to those who otherwise cannot afford it,)  our School Outreach effort, a watchdog Animal Abuse Hotline, Operation Puppy Lift, our Sister Shelter Exchange, and a broad ‘public relations’ campaign starring ‘Amigo.’

2004 was a very difficult year for the Humane Society with the impact of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Our shelter was almost destroyed and it was due only to the kindness of Sir Jack Hayward High School who allowed our dogs to shelter in its gymnasium and Our Lucaya Hotel who housed our cats, that our animals were able to survive.

With incredible thanks to our ‘sister shelter’ ARF (Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons,) The American Kennel Club, Animal Help Online and Missionary Air, all of the dogs and cats residing in our Shelter during that unfortunate time were ultimately evacuated to the ARF facilities in East Hampton, New York and we are thrilled by the knowledge that they have virtually all now found good and caring homes. This was a massive undertaking and could not possibly have been accomplished without the dedication and efforts of all those involved.

In addition, through our “Operation Puppy Lift” over 100 potcake puppies who would have faced uncertain futures on Grand Bahama, have been sent to shelters in South Florida and Eastern Long Island, New York where, we are proud to say, our little “Potcakes have gone like hotcakes.”

Construction of a new, desperately needed shelter (that will be able to withstand hurricane force winds) is about to begin on land generously donated by the Grand Bahama Port Authority - the initial funding made possible by a donation by Society Chairman, Frances Singer-Hayward, matched by a pledge made at the Humane Society Ball in March, 2003 by Sir Jack Hayward. It is hoped that this new, state of the art facility will usher in not only a new era of animal care, but also community involvement in the plight of our animals.

While we at the Humane Society, with our dedicated and hard working staff deal with incredible sadness and tragedy every day, there are also many happy, heartwarming ‘happy endings” - instances of wonderful homes here on Grand Bahama – as well as abroad - being found for many of our animals.

It is so terribly important that animal welfare on Grand Bahama Island be viewed not only in the context of humanitarian efforts towards eliminating the suffering of God’s Creatures, but in the major way that our tragic feral animal problem affects public health, tourism, future business investments and how our treatment of our animals reflects on us and our reputation as an Island of caring people.

History of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama
The history of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama is very much tied to the history of Freeport itself. Created in 1968 “to protect God’s Creatures in times of trouble on Grand Bahama Island” during the ‘early days of Freeport’ when the pioneering spirit very much prevailed, the shelter was officially opened on 10th September of that year, 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, May Dunne served as The Humane Society of Grand Bahama’s first president. Located in the same building it now occupies on Cedar Street in the downtown business section of Freeport, thousands of animals have since passed through its doors, many of them finding wonderful and caring homes.

Past presidents have included Patsy Gape, Ivy Lowe, Pauline and Quinten Young, Jan Lowe and Jacqueline Purdham. In 1998 Frances Singer-Hayward was appointed ‘Honourary Chairman,’ subsequently taking on the difficult role of Chairman. In 2006 a new Board of Directors was elected, with Christopher Johnston elected as President.

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama has made great public strides over the past decade in its efforts to make the public more aware of the plight of animals and the importance of proper animal care.

In 2000 Mrs. Hayward founded the Spay/Neuter Campaign, hosting the landmark ‘Spay/Neuter Lunch,’ at the Lucayan Countrty Club, attended by leaders of the Freeport business and government community.

On March 28, 2002, under the patronage of Bernadette Christie, wife of Prime Minister Perry Christie, the first Humane Society Ball was held in the ballroom of Our Lucaya Hotel. A glamorous and star-studded event, it was attended by the Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet.

In 2002 the Sister Shelter relationship with ARF was put in place. This wonderful association was highlighted when in September 2004 the Humane Society of Grand Bahama Shelter was almost destroyed due to the impact of hurricanes Frances and Jeanne and all of the residing animals were evacuated to the ARF Shelter in East Hampton, New York. They have all since been adopted.

In 2004, through the efforts of Shelter managers Renee Slone and Tip Johnson Burroughs, Operation Puppy Lift was instigated. Over one hundred puppies have since been ‘lifted’ to shelters in Florida and Long Island, New York where they have found appreciative and caring homes.

In early 2005 plans for a new, state of the art (hurricane proof) shelter were begun. This will be possible through a grant by Frances Singer-Hayward, matched by a pledge made by Sir Jack, announced at the Humane Society Ball and it is hoped that the new shelter will usher in a new era of ‘community involvement.’

Through The Years...
The Humane Society of Grand Bahama's History, in pictures:

Honourable C. H. Smith, Former Minister of Tourism with Frances Hayward at Landmark Spay/Neuter Lunch held at the Lucayan Country Club where Minister Smith gave the Keynote speech.

Frances Hayward, Betty Kenning, President of the Bahamas Humane Society (Nassau), and Governor-General Dame Ivy Dumont at the Humane Society Ball at the Britannia Hotel, Nassau, November 2002.

In a special reception at the Grand Bahama Humane Society, Frances Hayward was honoured as Honourary Chairwoman. Pictured making the presentation of her Certificate of Appointment, is Jan Lowe, then President of the Grand Bahama Humane Society.

Frances Hayward visits the Humane Society in Nassau.

President of the Bahamas Humane Society, Betty Kenning, takes Frances Hayward on a tour of their facility.

Founding President of the Humane Society Mae Dunn appears in front of the new shelter, with some canine residents.

The late Richardson Campbell, former Editor of the Freeport News, presenting winners of the Grand Bahama Humane Society colouring and drawing contest with Mr. Quentin Young and Mrs. Pauline Young, then President of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama.

The Humane Society presents a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Alan Bater for his support and advice over the years. Pictured from left to right, Dr. Alan Bater, W. K. Quentin Young, Treasurer, and Pauline Young, then Vice-Chairman.

Students of St. Paul's Methodist College Kindergarten being taught how to hold young pups. Pictured from left to right, Pauline Young, Quentin Young, with little Michelle and Kieran.

The Shelter as it was at its opening, September 1970.

Sir Francis Cumming-Bruce, accompanied by Lady Cumming-Bruce (seated), officially opens the Shelter, 17 September, 1970.

Members of the Junior Group of the Humane Society in the early 1970's. The group was formed so that children could be educated about animal care and partake in responsibilities of operating the Shelter.

The Grand Bahama Port Authority donate a Ford Ranger to the Grand Bahama Humane Society. Then, Mr. Jack Hayward (now Sir Jack), presents the keys to Patsy Gape, then President of the Grand Bahama Humane Society. Also shown, Norma Clee, then Vice-President and Jenny Lamb, then Assistant Manager.

Mae Dunn works at beautifying the newly opened Shelter.

Ten dogs, a parrot, and a hampster take part in the Grand Bahama Humane Society Pet Walk-a-Thon from the Animal Shelter along the Mall to then Cafe Valencia, in the International Bazaar. The event was an annual fundraiser for the Society.

The Grand Bahama Humane Society presents a plaque of appreciation to Sir Jack Hayward, Chairman of the Grand Bahama Development Company for his support and encouragement of the Humane Society during their cocktail party, held at the Masonic Hall and Lodge on 8th December, 1989. Pictured from left to right, Julie Lewery, Sir Jack Hayward, W.K. Quentin Young, Treasurer, and Pauline Young, Vice President.

The first inhabitants of the newly-opened Grand Bahama Humane Society Shelter.