SALT LAKE CITY – The Humane Society of Utah celebrated their 55th birthday by adopting out dogs for $55 and cats for free.
The group’s executive director, Gene Baierschmidt, said they’ve come a long way since they got their start in 1960, and he said one landmark was their efforts to pass legislation in 2008 that makes it a felony to torture dogs or cats.
The Humane Society of Utah has helped with adoptions for more than 250,000 cats and dogs during their 55 years, and Baierschmidt said they will continue to do everything they can to help animals find homes.
“This year, we'll adopt out between 11,000 and 12,000 dogs and cats, which is great because we're able to save more lives with our new building, and work with more and more rescue groups in the state," he said. "And if we're all working together, you know, we know that we'll be able to end the euthanasia of pets."
Johnny Evans was among those who adopted an animal recently, and he took home “Allie" the dog.
“I came here because I just needed a new little companion,” Evans said. “I’m a truck driver, and she’s going to be going cross-country with me.”
The Humane Society of Utah is a no-kill shelter and works with 300 rescue groups in and around Utah. For more information, visit their website.
