CONTRIBUTED

Forty-five years ago, the fate of stray and homeless animals in Moore County was under the jurisdiction of county officials.

A group of concerned residents found the treatment of these animals appalling and felt compelled to intercede. United in this common cause, six letters to the editor appeared in The Pilot offering support and financial help to establish a humane society.

Thirteen days later, Leon H. Baker, of Southern Pines, organized a meeting. More than 50 residents gathered at the Campbell House, and a resolution to form a humane society was adopted.

Moore Humane Society's primary objective at that time was to get animal control out of the county's hands and into the hands of a more enlightened, compassionate group of residents, a news release said.

On Aug. 18, 1966, the Humane Society of Moore County (now known as Moore Humane Society) was incorporated. Constance M. Butler, of Southern Pines, Raymond E. North and Betty Dumaine, both of Pinehurst, were listed as incorporators on the application.

A founders meeting was held Sept. 9, 1966, in the library of East Southern Pines High School. About 100 people attended, and officers were elected: Raymond E. North, president; George H. Leonard, vice president; Betty Dumaine, vice president; Felton Capel, vice president; Thomas B. Caddell, vice president; C. H. Bowman, treasurer; and Constance M. Baker, chairman and secretary. A board of directors was also created.

The Moore Humane Society was granted tax-exempt status as a tax-exempt philanthropic organization April 6, 1967.

On March 6, 1967, during a presentation to the county commissioners, Moore Humane Society proposed a contract between the society and the county, in which Moore Humane Society would take over, operate and maintain the county's animal control facility.

The N.C. General Assembly passed a bill July 5, 1967, authorizing the Moore County Board of Commissioners to enter into such a contract with Moore Humane Society.

Since its inception, Moore Humane Society's foundation has been built on providing a standard of care for animals that far exceeds the minimum set by law, a news release said.

In 1971, Moore Humane Society began construction of its existing animal shelter on N.C. 22 near U.S. 15-501 in Carthage. The shelter was built with private donations raised entirely by Moore Humane Society on land owned by Moore County. (The property was later deeded to Moore Humane Society in 1990, with Moore County retaining a "right of reverter.")

The founders' mission encompassed more than building a shelter for the stray animals of Moore County. While they raised funds for the facility, they lobbied for and changed legislation that enabled the responsibility of caring for homeless animals to be moved from municipalities to private citizens, thus impacting the entire state, the Humane Society said.

For more than 30 years, Moore Humane Society provided animal sheltering services for Moore County at virtually no cost to taxpayers. In 2000, due to irreconcilable financial and philosophical differences, Moore Humane Society canceled its contract with Moore County and became a "no-kill" shelter.

In 2006, Moore Humane Society purchased 12.5 acres for the purpose of constructing a new state-of the-art facility, which will include an adoption center, veterinary clinic and education center.

"Our community and the growing animal welfare crisis need and deserve a facility that can meet the demands we face today and in the future," the society said in the news release. "With your help we can continue to fulfill the vision of our founders. As the founders of animal welfare in the Sandhills of North Carolina, and the only state-licensed "no-kill" animal shelter in Moore County and surrounding counties, Moore Humane Society has provided safe refuge and humane care for tens of thousands of homeless and abandoned animals for the past 45 years.

"While our willingness to help homeless and abandoned animals is unlimited, our ability to help is restricted by our limited financial resources and an outdated shelter. Moore Humane Society is funded entirely by private donations and receives no tax dollars.

"We continue to raise animal welfare standards in Moore County and rely on your support and generosity to continue our lifesaving work. We are your Moore Humane Society."