Minnesota businessman donates $3M to Animal Humane Society, largest gift in 142 years

The Animal Humane Society has received its largest donation in 142 years, to go toward helping homeless animals, the nonprofit reported Friday.

The AHS reported the former CEO and chairman of The Toro Company, Ken Melrose, donated $3 million.

According to the AHS, the donation will go toward meeting "the changing needs of animals and people in Minnesota." It will also help to "support the eventual construction of a new, first-of-its-kind adoption and animal care campus in St. Paul."

"This generous gift recognizes the important place animals hold in our lives and our communities – and it will help us advance the way we protect and care for animals in need for decades to come," AHS President and CEO Janelle Dixon said in a statement.

Melrose is described as being a life-long lover of animals and a longtime supporter of AHS.

When talking about his donation, Melrose said, "Animal Humane Society is one of the most sophisticated and forward-thinking humane organizations in the nation. I am excited to invest in their vision for the future of animal welfare."

Each year, AHS reportedly takes in more than 22,000 animals in need.