A Guide to the Man and Beast, Inc., Records, 1968-2004

Historical Note

Man and Beast, Inc., is a nonprofit organization established to address animal welfare issues in San Antonio, Texas. The primary objective of the agency is to improve the quality of life for people and animals through a program of education and responsible action.

The organization was founded on October 19, 1976, by Dr. Amy Freeman Lee, Lucy Richardson Hamilton, and Paula Franz Moore out of a concern for the state of animal welfare in San Antonio, Texas. The organization initially met in the Nurses Building of Incarnate Word College (San Antonio, Tex.) Man and Beast is financially supported by membership dues, donations, fundraisers, and grants received. Its governing body consists of a Board of Directors that is invited to serve for two years, with an elected president and a secretary. The organization also employs an executive director and an assistant office administrator.

The impetus for Man and Beast grew out of a concern for domestic animals that, because of overpopulation and ignorance, do not enjoy a caring relationship with man and have been abandoned. The primary objective of the agency is to improve the quality of life for both people and animals through a program of education and responsible action. Man and Beast embraces the principles set forth by the national Humane Society and takes no radical stance, but rather approaches animal welfare through an agenda of benign, problem-solving programs.

Man and Beast, Inc. focuses its energy on two basic issues: overpopulation and ignorance. It seeks to remedy these problems in a variety of ways such as: a low-cost spay and neuter program; a free-to-the-public "lost and found" pet bank; special events to raise awareness and funds; and an education program to enlighten citizens, particularly schoolchildren, about the humane treatment of animals.

Return to the Table of Contents

Scope and Content Note

The collection spans the years 1968-2004 and includes letters, photographs, educational pamphlets, newspaper articles, financial documents, event planning documents, contracts, and surveys. The collection is divided into four series: Administrative, Educational Outreach, Events and Addition of September 2007.

The Administrative series provides insight into the inner workings of the organization. Historical documents, bylaws, and articles of incorporation document the founding and organization of Man and Beast, Inc. (MABI), also providing informational snapshots of the organization at different points during its history. Financial documents are the most comprehensive and complete informational aspect of the organization as they track the incoming and outgoing funds of MABI. Letters and legislative lobbying files document a variety of issues and types of people that make up the organization. Letters also include thank-you cards and complaints from opponents of MABI's work.

The Educational Outreach series documents the educational programs that promote the theories, goals, and principles of Man and Beast. The Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program files identify the way the organization works to partner with local veterinarians to subsidize the cost of spaying and neutering pets for those who could not otherwise afford it. Spay and Neuter Education materials document an outreach program intended to teach citizens about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. Animal Awareness and Education pamphlets further illustrate MABI's goal of enlightening citizens about the humane treatment of animals.

Events documented in the Events series include Mutts on Parade, Trick or Treat Trot, and the Publicity Photo Exhibit. The Photo Exhibit event displayed portraits of prominent members of the San Antonio community posed with their pets. While this event is the most extensively documented event and includes planning and publicity files as well as a final report, there are no photographs of the people and pets.

The Addition of September 2007 includes newsletters, financial documents, reports and other assorted material.

Return to the Table of Contents

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

This collection is housed at UTSA's Main Campus and must be accessed via the John Peace Library Special Collections reading room. To request access, please use the Collections Request Form.

Usage Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the Man and Beast, Inc., Records must be obtained from University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections.

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Man and Beast, Inc. Records, MS 153, University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections.

Acquisition Information

Materials in this collection were donated by Sylvia Tobin in 2005.

Processing Information

Processed by Amber S. Castor, Intern, November 2006.

Additions encoded by Tatina Wulzer, Collections Assistant, May 2009.

Return to the Table of Contents

Detailed Description of the Collection

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents