Humane society is a group dedicated to protecting children and animals from human cruelty. Today, a person who sees an animal beaten or a child mistreated may notify the local humane society. The society takes legal action against the offender. The first humane societies were founded in the 1700's to teach people lifesaving methods and to prevent drownings. The first society to be established for the prevention of cruelty to animals was founded in England in 1824.