humane society

American

noun

(often initial capital letter) an organization devoted to promoting humane ideals, especially with reference to the treatment of animals.

humane society British

noun

an organization for promotion of humane ideals, esp in dealing with animals

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of humane society

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the case of Canelo, Good Samaritans found him and brought him to the Pasadena Humane Society, where veterinary staff tended to his badly burned paws and smoke-irritated eyes.

From Los Angeles Times

Hunting groups like Safari Club International and the California Rifle and Pistol Assn., as well as animal rights groups In Defense of Animals and the Humane Society, also oppose the cull.

From Los Angeles Times

A drop of existential awareness may even make us a more humane society.

From The Wall Street Journal

The cubs, which were found malnourished earlier this year, were trapped by the UC Davis California Carnivores Program and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, according to the San Diego Humane Society.

From Los Angeles Times

An aggressive neighborhood squirrel has locals nervous after it attacked several residents, prompting visits to the emergency room for bites and scratches to their arms and legs, according to a local humane society and a resident.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023