Category: Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 18, 2024

Murray — Utah, July 18, 2024 — The Humane Society of Utah responded to a request for help from Animal Care of Davis County after 20 domestic rabbits were found abandoned at a local trailhead. To help with the overcrowding of small companion animals, the Humane Society of Utah transferred in nine rabbits and four guinea pigs from Davis County. 

The rescued rabbits are currently under quarantine due to potential exposure to diseases in the wild. This mandatory two-week quarantine extends their typical six-day stay at the shelter to fourteen. Once cleared from quarantine, these rabbits will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before adoption.

“We are fortunate to have the capacity to care for these rabbits, even though we had to set up emergency housing,” said Juli Ulvestad, Pet Resource Center Director at the Humane Society of Utah. “However, the extended care required for these animals is placing a strain on our resources. We are reaching out to the community for support.”

The cost of caring for each rabbit averages $30 per day. Holding the rabbits for quarantine will cost the Humane Society an additional $3,750. To help offset these costs and support other animals in need, the public is encouraged to donate at www.utahhumane.org/adopt.

In addition to the nine rabbits transferred in from Davis County, the Humane Society of Utah currently cares for 34 rabbits. While the rabbits from quarantine are not yet available for adoption, the adoptable rabbit area at HSU is full. Individuals interested in adopting a rabbit are encouraged to visit the Humane Society of Utah or Animal Care of Davis County or visit www.UtahHumane.org/adopt.

Photos/videos for media use can be downloaded here.

Suggested Tweet: 🐇 The Humane Society of Utah stepped in to help Animal Care of Davis County after 20 domestic rabbits were found abandoned. Find out how you can help (insert your link 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 largest private 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 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 18, 2024

News Release

Animal Shelter Faces Unprecedented 78% Surge in Abandoned Pets in 2023, Calls for Community Action and Support

Murray, Utah, Jan. 18, 2024 — The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) reported a staggering 78% increase in abandoned animals in 2023. This trend echoes similar patterns observed in other shelters across the state, including Weber County Animal Services.

Lisa Weiss, Animal Care/Community Outreach Coordinator at Weber County Animal Services, noted a significant rise in dogs abandoned in unincorporated areas, particularly near the bird refuge. “Animal Control has encountered numerous dogs tied to poles in public places with notes pleading for a home,” Weiss said. “Recently, we found four 10-week-old puppies left in a wire crate at our doorstep in freezing temperatures without any blankets or coats.” The Humane Society of Utah took the four puppies pictured here into their care from Weber County Animal Services last week. All four puppies have since been adopted.

Housing issues have been HSU’s leading cause of animal surrenders in 2023. “We want to remind Utah residents that abandoning animals is illegal,” stated Guinnevere Shuster, Director of Marketing at the Humane Society of Utah. “However, we recognize the tough times people are facing and aim to provide alternatives for people considering abandoning their pets.”

HSU urges pet owners to explore various rehoming options. Facebook hosts local groups such as Utah Animal Rescue & Rehoming and Utah Pets for Rehoming or Rescue. People can post information and photos about their pets to potential adopters in these groups. Additionally, HSU manages a free private pet rehoming service website, which garners hundreds of daily views. Weber County Animal Services also provides many free resources for people looking to rehome their pets.

For those facing temporary crises, Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering offers short-term pet fostering for 60-90 days, allowing owners to reunite with their pets post-crisis. HSU also assists pet owners threatened with eviction due to their pets. HSU can provide letters to landlords indicating a scheduled surrender date, hoping to allow pets to remain with their owners until then.

Individuals who need assistance with pet food or supplies can access free supplies from these organizations: Salt Lake County Animal Services Pet Crew Pet Pantry, Ruff Haven Pet Pantry, or Street Dawg Crew of Utah.

Suggested Tweet: Officials @utahhumane see a 78% surge in abandoned pets in 2023, calling for community action and support. (insert your link)

Videos 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 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 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

Holiday Match Challenge for HSU

Contact: Olivia Buck FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Email: oliviabuck@utahhumane.org 
Dec. 21, 2023    

News Release

Mountain America Credit Union Holiday Drive to Save Lives: Holiday Match Challenge for HSU

Murray – Utah, Dec. 21, 2023— The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) hopes its Holiday Match Challenge will inspire Utahns to support its lifesaving work this season. Thanks to a generous $30,000 match from Mountain America Credit Union, donations made to HSU through Dec. 31, 2023, will be doubled to provide twice the lifesaving veterinary care and will rescue more than 6,000 animals in need this year. To donate and double your contribution, visit www.UtahHumane.org/give. 

“Mountain America is honored to help the Humane Society of Utah with its life-saving mission by providing this match to provide critical care to the animals at the shelter,” says Sharon Cook, chief marketing officer at Mountain America Credit Union. “Since 2016, we have partnered with the Humane Society of Utah to help nearly 1,200 pets find their forever homes. This holiday season, we are grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these pets and appreciate the community’s support as we all work together to provide critical care and save as many lives as possible.” 

The Holiday Match Challenge is a fundraising initiative that enables HSU to provide comprehensive care for animals beyond basic shelter services. This includes advanced veterinary care for shelter animals, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines for the community, Pet Retention, Humane Education, and a Behavior Training program. These programs benefit animals in need throughout Utah and offer a new lease on life to adoptable pets like Narwhal, the dog pictured here.

“The Humane Society of Utah is immensely thankful to Mountain America Credit Union for joining hands with us and extending their support to the homeless pets of Utah.” Said Shannon Egan, Development Director at the Humane Society of Utah. “Their generous contribution is helping us provide care and support to these animals, giving them a second chance at life and a loving home.”

Suggested Tweet: Double your impact during the Holiday Match Challenge! @Utahhumane teams up with @MountainAmerica to raise money for Utah’s homeless pets. Donate at utahhumane.org/give

###

About Mountain America Credit Union

With more than one million members and $13 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union assists members on the right path to help them identify and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, 100 branches across six states and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. 

About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, HSU 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 animal resource center in the state, the HSU 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. HSU 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 

Please accept this press release from the Humane Society of Utah. Article PDF available here. 

Contact: Guinn Shuster
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 801-638-4685

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 22, 2023

Media Alert

Humane Society of Utah Presents “Home for the Holidays”: A Heartwarming Foster Event for Shelter Dogs

Murray, Utah – Nov. 22, 2023 – The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) announces the return of  “Home for the Holidays,” set to occur on Nov. 22, 2023. This unique initiative aims to bring joy to both shelter dogs and families during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Event Details:

• What: Home for the Holidays Event
• Where: Humane Society of Utah, 4242 South 300 West, Murray, Utah 84107
• Date & Time: Nov. 22, 2023, pick up times 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Event Description:

“Home for the Holidays” is an event designed to give shelter dogs a well-deserved break from the shelter environment during the Thanksgiving holiday. Preregistered members of the public will have the opportunity to pick up a shelter dog for the holiday weekend to provide them with love, care, and a warm home atmosphere. Temporary fostering offers the dogs a break from the shelter and helps them experience a loving family environment, potentially leading to permanent adoptions.

Interview and Visual Opportunities:

Media representatives are invited to attend the event to capture heartwarming moments as families connect with their temporary shelter dog companions. Representatives from the Humane Society of Utah will be available for interviews to discuss the event’s significance and its positive impact on shelter dogs.

###

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
Email: [email protected]
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: [email protected]                       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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]
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 [email protected].

###

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