Author: Shae

Contact: Guinn Shuster
Email: guinn@utahhumane.org
Cell: 801-638-4685

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 24, 2023

News Release

Alexis Pagoulatos Appointed as Executive Director of Humane Society of Utah

Murray, Utah – Oct. 24, 2023 – The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexis Pagoulatos as its new Executive Director. Ms. Pagoulatos brings a wealth of experience and passion for animal welfare to this esteemed position, and her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organization.

Alexis Pagoulatos has dedicated her career to advocating for the welfare of animals, with an impressive track record of leadership in the animal welfare nonprofit sector. Her experience includes work with animal shelters, rescue organizations, and animal advocacy groups, making her an ideal choice to lead the Humane Society of Utah.

In her previous roles, Ms. Pagoulatos has demonstrated her commitment to finding innovative solutions to animal welfare challenges, increasing adoptions, and implementing effective community cat programs. Her deep-rooted dedication to the humane treatment of animals aligns perfectly with HSU’s mission to eliminate animal suffering and promote the human-animal bond.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alexis Pagoulatos as our new Executive Director,” said Craig Cook,  President and General Counsel of the Humane Society of Utah. “Her extensive background in animal welfare, coupled with her visionary leadership and passion, make her the ideal person to lead our organization into the future.”

Alexis Pagoulatos expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, “I am honored and humbled to join the leadership team at the Humane Society of Utah as Executive Director. I look forward to working alongside our talented and dedicated staff, board, volunteers, supporters, and community partners to continue the lifesaving and innovative work of this organization as the needs of our community evolve.”

Suggested Tweet: Alexis Pagoulatos appointed as @UtahHumane’s new Executive Director.  Alexis’s passion for animals is evident in her work with shelters, rescue orgs, and advocacy groups. Her dedication aligns perfectly with Utah Humane’s mission to eliminate animal suffering and strengthen the human-animal bond. 

###

About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to eliminating pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the state’s largest private nonprofit animal resource center, the Humane Society Society welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

Contact: Guinn Shuster
Cell: 801-638-4685                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Email: guinn@utahhumane.org                       Oct. 6th, 2023

News Release

HUMANE SOCIETY OF UTAH AND SUBARU JOIN FORCES IN FIRST-EVER BARKTOBERFEST: A HOWL-O-WEEN PAWS PARTY 

Murray, Utah, Oct. 8, 2023 — Join the Humane Society of Utah (HSU) and Subaru this Sunday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for their first-ever Halloween event, Barktoberfest: A Howl-O-Ween Paws Party. The event will occur at the Humane Society at 4242 South 300 West in Murray, Utah. You can purchase adult tickets in advance for $5 or at the event for $10, including entry for one adult and one dog. Admission for kids is free. The funds generated from this event benefit Utah’s homeless animals. 

This event celebrates the spooky season with fun activities for kids, adults, and pets. At the event, you and your pet can partake in a Halloween costume contest and parade, run your pup on an agility course, show off your pup’s skills in a Trick-n-Treat contest, sample a variety of food trucks and craft beer, and play Halloween Carnival games.

Subaru generously supports Barktoberfest. Brian Friedman, retail marketing manager of Subaru of America, remarked, “Subaru and our retailers believe in being a positive force in the communities in which we live and work, not just with donations, but with actions that set an example for others to follow. Our partnership with the Humane Society of Utah over the past nine years has allowed us to support programs like Barktoberfest that bring pets and people together and raise money for HSU’s important work. Loving pets is part of our DNA at Subaru, so when you visit most of our stores, you will find Dog Parks on-site, treats on the counters, and, in some cases, adopted animals who have become part of the Team!” 

Please note that the HSU’s adoption center will be closed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8, due to the event. The adoption center will reopen at 2 p.m. For information about Barktoberfest and other upcoming events, please visit www.utahhumane.org/events. If you cannot attend the event but are still interested in supporting HSU, please visit www.utahhumane.org/donate.

Suggested Tweet: Join @utahhumane and other pet lovers for Barktoberfest on Oct. 8. Bring your canine friends along, too! All proceeds raised from this event go toward the animals in their care. 

Download media-use photos here. 

###

About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the state’s largest private nonprofit animal resource center, the Humane Society Society welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

Contact: Guinn Shuster

Email: guinn@utahhumane.org

Cell: 801-638-4685

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 21, 2023

Humane Society of Utah Encourages Rabbit Adoption on National Rabbit Day, Sept. 23

Murray, Utah – Sept. 23, 2023 – The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) is thrilled to celebrate National Rabbit Day on Sept. 23 by promoting rabbit adoption as a compassionate choice for potential pet owners. This special day is an opportunity to spotlight these gentle and loving creatures and encourage individuals and families to consider adopting a rabbit from their local shelter.

“Rabbits are the third most surrendered and adopted companion animal at HSU, said Juli Ulvestad, Pet Resource Center Director at the Humane Society of Utah. “Often overlooked as pets, rabbits are known for their endearing personalities and affectionate nature. We urge the community to consider adopting a rabbit and provide a loving home to one of these adorable animals.”

The Humane Society of Utah is committed to making rabbit adoption accessible and successful for families. They offer educational resources, adoption support, and information on proper rabbit care to ensure rabbits and their new families have a smooth transition. All adoptable rabbits from HSU come spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. The Preventative Care Clinic in Murray offers these services for community-owned rabbits: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Vaccinations (RHDV-2), microchipping, and spay/neuter services at an affordable cost. 

To celebrate National Rabbit Day, HSU will waive adoption fees on all adoptable rabbits, provide valuable information about rabbit care, and adopters can make free take-home goody bags while supplies last. 

For those interested in adopting a rabbit or learning more about responsible rabbit care, please visit the Humane Society of Utah’s website or in person at 4242 South 300 West in Murray.

Suggested Tweet:  Join us in celebrating #NationalRabbitDay on 9/23 with @utahhumane! Let’s promote rabbit adoption as a compassionate choice for potential pet owners. 

Photos/b-roll of rabbits at HSU for media use are available here.

###

About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the state’s largest private nonprofit animal resource center, the Humane Society Society welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

Contact: Guinn Shuster
Email: guinn@utahhumane.org
Cell: 801-638-4685

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 16, 2023

News Release

Humane Society of Utah Asks for Justice for Tethered Horses Dragged by Pickup Truck Driver

Farmington, Utah, September 16, 2023 — The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) strongly condemns the incident in Farmington this weekend, where a pickup truck driver recklessly dragged two tethered horses along a residential road. Eyewitness accounts from concerned neighbors detail the ordeal in which one of the horses tragically collapsed due to its inability to keep pace with the truck. 

The Utah animal cruelty laws specifically apply to horses when they are treated in a manner not acceptable in animal husbandry. The dragging of horses behind a truck is unacceptable and subjects the truck’s driver to penalties under the criminal code.

HSU calls upon the Davis County investigators to take action in this matter. We implore them to initiate legal proceedings against the driver, seeking charges for animal cruelty and traffic violations. The driver’s actions endangered the lives and well-being of these horses and posed a grave risk to public safety, with the potential for serious traffic wrecks or collisions in the area.

###

About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the state’s largest private nonprofit animal resource center, the Humane Society Society welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

Neighborhood from Toxic Cement Manufacturing

Contact: Craig Cook
Cell: 801-891-1873                        

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

            Sept. 6, 2023

News Release

The Humane Society of Utah Issues Urgent Appeal to Community: Protect Our Neighborhood from Toxic Cement Manufacturing

Murray — Utah, Sept. 6, 2023 — The Humane Society of Utah, a dedicated advocate for the well-being of animals and our community, urgently calls upon our fellow neighbors and Murray residents to take a stand against the potential establishment of a cement block and stone manufacturing plant in our neighborhood. Legacy Materials, a company seeking approval from the Murray City Planning and Zoning Commission, aims to operate a manufacturing facility at 4300 South 300 West. In the lot immediately south of the Humane Society of Utah facility.

The Murray Planning and Zoning Commission hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m., at the City Council Chambers, 10 East 4800 South Murray, Utah. We implore all community members to attend this hearing and voice your opposition to the proposed cement manufacturing plant. Your presence at this event will help protect our Murray City and its residents, both human and animal alike.

“The Environmental Working Group reports that silica particles can cause poor air quality conditions in a 750m radius around a site, which is almost 0.5 miles. The HSU campus is directly north of the proposed site, well within the danger zone,” said Timna Fischbein, DVM, Medical Director at the Humane Society of Utah. “The potential health complications outlined in the medical literature combined with the lack of a dust mitigation plan makes this location highly unsuitable for a concrete block manufacturing and storage facility.”

The Danger of Toxic Cement Dust

• Legacy Materials proposed manufacturing process involves creating, forming, and cutting cement products, which generate highly toxic cement dust. This hazardous dust is expected to disperse over the neighborhood, including businesses and homes. The composition of this cement dust includes harmful substances such as Calcium oxide, Silicone dioxide, Aluminum dioxide, Ferric oxide, and Sulfur oxide.
• Exposure to these chemicals can lead to severe health problems in people and animals. Potential risks include chronic respiratory illnesses like COPD, emphysema, lung carcinoma, pulmonary tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and the possibility of other cancers and kidney damage.
• The fine nature of the cement dust makes it nearly impossible to filter using standard HVAC equipment.

Craig S. Cook, Board President, stated: “The Humane Society of Utah firmly believes that a manufacturing facility of this nature should never be allowed in such proximity to our residents and businesses. We urge you to join us in taking action to prevent this potential threat to the community.”

If you cannot attend the hearing in person, we encourage you to email your concerns to planningcommission@murray.utah.gov.

###

About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the state’s largest private animal resource center, the  Humane Society of Utah welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

Contact: Guinn Shuster 

Email: guinn@utahhumane.org

Cell: 801-638-4685

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 14, 2023

Media Alert

Salt Lake City Fire Department Joins Forces with Humane Society of Utah to Protect Pets in Hot Cars

Salt Lake City, Utah, June 15, 2023 — Salt Lake City Fire Department and the Humane Society of Utah will be discussing the critical issue of leaving pets in vehicles. Heatstroke among pets is a real danger and can happen quickly. The summer months are here, and every year Salt Lake City Fire Dept. responds to numerous calls about pets overheating and being trapped in hot vehicles. Join us Thursday to get more information on preventing animal heatstroke and tips to keep your pets safe. 

What: Heat-Related Pet Safety During the Summer Months

When: 1 p.m. (13:00 hrs), Thursday, Jun 15, 2023

Where: Public Safety Building, 475 S. 300 E., Salt Lake City (outside main entrance)

Who: SLC Fire – Capt. Shaun Mumedy, Engine 2, Fire Service K9’s 

Humane Society of Utah – Guinnevere Shuster, animals available for adoption

Suggested Tweet:   @slcfire and @utahhumane unite to save lives! Together, they’re tackling the critical issue of pets in hot cars, ensuring our furry friends stay safe and cool. (insert your story link here) #PetSafety #CommunityHeroes

###

About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the largest private nonprofit animal resource center in the state, the Humane Society of Utah welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane