Archives for News

Bald Eagle rejoins Ann Arbor family, after rescue from fishing wire

Ann Arbor, MI (May 21, 2021) — Dangling upside down, entangled in a mass of fishing line which tied him to a branch hanging over Huron River, about 4 feet from shore and 1 foot from water, a Bald Eagle needed rescuing. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan called the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV) wildlife rescue line Saturday. “He was still tangled up, and many of his feathers had been broken,” says Michael Shivak, HSHV Rescue Field Agent. “Thankfully, with our veterinarians’ help, we were able to remove the rest of the fishing line from the bird who, luckily, didn’t
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In memorium – Nora Mayes

With heartfelt sympathy for her many friends and family, we are saddened by the loss of our beautiful young friend and coworker, Nora Mayes. Nora died May 11, 2021 after suffering a severe allergic reaction from an insect sting. Nora was well known for her incredibly sweet and helpful nature. Nora had an easy laugh and brought a warm, always kind energy to our team and our animals. We are heartbroken over her sudden loss. She is already greatly missed by both the many people and animals who loved her dearly. If you or your companion animal met her in
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Ypsilanti Resident Charged with Animal Cruelty, Sentenced to Probation 

Ann Arbor, MI (March 26, 2021) — After pleading “no contest” to animal cruelty, on February 18, 2021, the Honorable Judge Erane Washington sentenced Ypsilanti Resident Connie Denham to one year probation and over $5,000 in restitution fees. In late December 2019, Animal Cruelty Investigators from the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) executed a search warrant on Denham’s residence, following a tip from another case. The property was infested with cockroaches, littered with excrement, and inhabited by Denham, an older adult, and six dogs. With fur caked in feces and urine, the dogs were so matted that they had
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Deer Doctor makes a virtual house call to Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI (March 12, 2021) – In 2015, Ann Arbor City Council approved a four-year deer management plan including shooting deer in city limits; 2020 was the fifth year. To date, Ann Arbor has spent over $750,000 on deer management, including $469,700 to contracted sharpshooters who have also been counting the deer. In 2020, their aerial survey counted 137 deer in the city, versus 224 the year previous. “As a community leader faced with the impact of deer damage in parks, yards, and gardens, and conflict among your constituents regarding an effective solution, you are not alone,” writes Sandy Baker,
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Humane Society of the United States awards HSHV’s Cruelty and Rescue Supervisor

Melinda Szabelski, Cruelty and Rescue Supervisor at Washtenaw County’s Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), was named a “local hero” in the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Stop Puppy Mills Campaign. The award is given annually to 14 people across the nation who’ve made a difference fighting puppy mills in their communities.
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3 Dead Puppies found in Ypsilanti’s Peninsular Park; Humane Society of Huron Valley asking for Tips

Ann Arbor, MI (December 18, 2020) — A woman who regularly walks her dog in Ypsilanti’s Peninsular Park was startled to see a dead puppy off the side of a floating dock last Thursday night. She contacted the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). Upon investigation, a Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) Field Agent found not one, but three deceased puppies. The puppies were found at the edge of the river, just off the side of the floating dock past the main parking area; and a deceased iguana was discovered a little further out in the water. The cause
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BOW… Wow! We’re the Best of Washtenaw because of you!

Only because of you can we do what we do! Save animals. Help people. And keep spreading the love. And every year, you push us to do better, and we couldn’t do that without you, either! (Check out our annual report here.) So we are thrilled not only to be nominated for several 2020 Best of Washtenaw and Family Favorites awards… but win them! You make us who we are, and we are so honored to share the news of these awards with you. WINNER: BEST ANIMAL NONPROFIT WINNER: BEST VETERINARIAN WINNER: BEST ACTIVIST – HSHV’S CEO TANYA HILGENDORF WINNER:
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HSHV rescues 45 dogs and cats from Pittsfield Township home

Ann Arbor, MI (September 1, 2020) — Following a tip from concerned sources that animals weren’t being properly cared for, Animal Cruelty Investigators from the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) executed a search warrant and seized 14 cats and 31 dogs from a Pittsfield Township residence Friday afternoon. Investigators from HSHV arrived to find two dead dogs and 43 animals living among raw sewage and excrement. Some of the animals were fearful and underweight, and several were in need of emergency medical care. They were immediately transported to HSHV for treatment. All of the animals are currently being cared
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Augusta Township Supervisor Sentenced for Animal Cruelty

Ann Arbor, MI (July 30, 2020 — On Monday, July 27, Augusta Township Supervisor Brian Shelby and his wife Tammy, were sentenced two (2) years’ probation for animal cruelty. Judge Swartz of Michigan’s 15th Judicial District Court issued the ruling following an investigation from the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) in 2018, resulting in the rescue of 71 animals from neglectful conditions at the Shelby residence. On May 25, 2018, HSHV in collaboration with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department, seized 37 cats, nine dogs, 13 chickens, 10 exotic birds and two peacocks— many of whom were in need of
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Humane Society of Huron Valley ranked in top 3% of Charities

Ann Arbor, MI (June 23, 2020) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) was awarded a ninth straight topmost 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Only 3% of evaluated charities have received more than eight consecutive 4-star ratings. Charity Navigator says HSHV outperforms most other charities in America. “We are honored to receive Charity Navigator’s highest rating again,” says Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV’s CEO. “This distinction reflects our accountability to all our supporters and commitment to remain true to our mission to promote respect and compassion, to protect from needless suffering and to help ensure loving,
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