Dutchess County SPCA, Inc

The first animal anticruelty law in the United States was passed on April 10, 1866. Five years later, on September 1st, 1871, a group of prominent community leaders in Poughkeepsie held a public meeting to form the Poughkeepsie Branch of the A.S.P.C.A. The name was changed in 1889 to the "Poughkeepsie Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals". In 1939, the Society again changed its name, to the name it bears today, the Dutchess County SPCA. Construction of the shelter that was able to house 30 dogs was completed in 1941. By 1958 the Shelter on Washington Street was too small. Mrs. Donald Love organized a group of community women and formed the SPCA Auxiliary to raise funds to purchase land and build a new facility. They held various fundraisers such as the Animal Kingdom Ball and rummage sales and were able to purchase 31 acres of land on 9G in Hyde Park, where the shelter still stands. By 1970, the Shelter was taking in animals from all of the surrounding towns. In 1985, the DCSPCA was taking in approximately 4,000 animals a year, and so in 1987 the building was expanded. A puppy run, holding room and storage area was added. Outdoor kennels for large dogs and runs were added in 1997. Today, the organization faces many of the same problems that faced Boards throughout the years: too many animals in need, lack of funds, and inadequate facilities. Source: www.dcspca.org