Wisconsin Milwaukee Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society was established in 1879 as the Milwaukee County Humane Society but quickly changed the name to Wisconsin Humane Society for funding reasons. The WHS was modeled on the New York Humane Society established by Henry Bergh who pioneered the field. Being a horse drawn society it is not surprising that their first focus was on horses and children. The society issued badges and had minimal authority to arrest. As a result the badges can be a tad confusing. The oldest badge would be the Humane Agent from the 1920's. The more recent badge with blue enamel is without a rank. Both badges are obviously Milwaukee County style badges even though they pay homage to “WHS” on the ribbons held by the eagles. The most recent badge from the 1960- has no mention of Milwaukee though I remember seeing them being worn.