Animal Control and Shelter History
From pioneer settlement in the 1860s until a few decades ago, stray dogs were left to run at large, and cats were left to the elements. When pets were a nuisance or dogs began to pack, the problem was generally handled by land-owners or the town marshall using gunpowder and lead.
The first major attempt at formalized control and sheltering seemed to be in the 1970s when La Grande constructed an 837 square foot building near the County Fairgrounds, and operations were administered by the La Grande Police Department. Unfortunately, funding and humane treatment were always on the short side, and it was not until construction of the Louise M. McNeely Animal Shelter in 1996 that great consideration has been by local agencies for humane treament of the animals. However, as we enter new century, funding levels for shelter operations and animal care continue to be below minimum needs.
Generous Gifts
from
Local Residents
Made It All Happen!
Louise McNeely was born on the family farm and lived in the La Grande area all her life. In adulthood, she had but one job, a highly responsible night clerk at the Foley Hotel. Though she had a limited education, she was very business-wise, often loaning money as well as investing in stocks and bonds while she led a very frugal life. It seems that her luxury in life was that she always had a cat for a companion.
Louise never owned a dog, but often visited the old shelter – showing great concern for the animals kept there under the most deplorable conditions. The concern evidently led to her decision to do something about the ongoing problem, for after her death in January of 1990, Union County received $132,689 earmarked for improving or building a new animal shelter –– though it was over six years before her dream was finally realized.
In memory of her son, Bud, who died an untimely death in 1993, Martha Smutz of
La Grande deeded 5 acres of the family Century Farm to the Blue Mountain Humane Association to fulfill the search for a shelter site. Bud’s dogs and farm animals were always dear to his heart, and he often exclaimed how wonderful it would be to do something special for the needy pets of the area. With his Mother’s gift in 1995 and construction completion of the Louise McNeely Animal Shelter in 1996, his wish has finally come true.
Other parties who donated to make the new shelter a reality included:
Bagett-Griffith & Associates for surveying services – Anderson-Perry & Associates for engineering services – Abstract & Title Company of La Grande – Jerry Gildemeister for site location, planning & layout of the site and shelter – The Bosack-Kruger Charitable Foundation for assistance in completing negotiations with Union County Commissioners – and Marguerite Doe Foundation for supplying funds for the crematorium. Special recognition goes to Rae Welch, first President of BMHA for coordinating efforts to complete negotiations with the County and getting construction started; and last, but far from least, to Charles Young, Vice-President of Blue Mountain Humane for continuing oversight until construction of the shelter was completed.