Women's Animal Center Celebrates Anniversary In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —America's oldest animal shelter is celebrating its 154th birthday with a celebration Sunday.

The Women’s Animal Center, at 3839 Richlieu Rd., was launched as the Women’s Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Philadelphia on April 14, 1869, by 30 women who were concerned about the manner in which strays on the city streets were captured and killed.

In honor of the 154th anniversary, the center is inviting the public to celebrate the anniversary and toast its founders between Noon and 7 p.m. Sunday, April 16, at Bitchin’ Kitten Brewery, 58-B E. Bridge St., in Morrisville.

A specially-created Caroline Earle ‘wheat’ Dunkelweizen Ale honoring Women’s Animal Center’s founder Caroline Earle White will also be offered with a portion of the sales of the special beer release supporting safe shelter, meals, and medical care for the shelter pets waiting for forever homes.

No reservations are required. The Women’s Animal Center will have a welcome table with information about the organization, raffle baskets, and a 50/50.

The cat loving co-owners of Bitchin’ Kitten Brewery, Michael and Brigitte Crosson, believe in supporting the lifesaving work of animal welfare organizations, the center said in a press release.

In addition to being the first animal shelter and adoptions program, Women’s Animal Center also pioneered the nation’s first humane education programs, the first free veterinary clinic, and the first anti-vivisection society.

The founders of Women’s Animal Center, led by Caroline Earle White, established an organization that continues the daily, lifesaving work of more than 3,500 animal shelters currently in operation across the country.

In 2021, more than 3 million cats and dogs were adopted.

Women’s Animal Center continues to be governed by an all-women board of directors. and executive leader. The organization will mark its 154th Anniversary on April 14th of this year and remains dedicated to its lifesaving work.

Women’s Animal Center bears a great honor and responsibility to the fundamental role women have played in the founding and evolution of animal welfare in our great nation, past and present.