How We Got Our Start

Founded by Beatrice Martin Peck (pictured) in 1946 to serve Franklin County's homeless animals, Prairie Paws' first name was the Franklin County Humane society. Through her own expense and effort, Beatrice established and named the first building The Bea Martin Peck Animal Shelter on March 25th 1947, which was completed and welcomed it's first residents in 1948. The building was located at 230 W 19th St in Ottawa Kansas, and was the first brick and mortar location for Beatrice and her group of faithful supporters to house and adopt out homeless pets. Prior to her efforts, the stray or otherwise unwanted animals were used for medical testing and had no voice. Beatrice and her volunteers also investigated reports of animal cruelty, and their efforts led to the enactment of many ordinances and regulations regarding animal care that remain today. Beatrice never stopped advocating for helpless animals until her death in 1967. The animal shelter she  founded would continue to save lives for more than 40 years after her passing. In 2010 a similar group of hard-working animal advocates designed, funded and built a state-of-the-art facility under the current name "Prairie Paws Animal Shelter".