The Liberty Humane Society (LHS) was created in 1998 to work in partnership with Jersey City to build and manage an animal shelter. Jersey City had previously contracted with the Hudson County SPCA to provide it with animal sheltering services, but the SPCA was deemed unsatisfactory. In 2002, after a state investigation revealed numerous abuses, mismanagement, and financial misdealings at the SPCA, the City dropped its contract and opened its own animal shelter in a converted garage. The Liberty Humane Society provided volunteer and financial support, and participated in managerial and hiring decisions with the City.