ASPCA 149th Anniversary

The ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is a not-for-profit organization that dedicates itself to preventing cruelty towards animals. The ASPCA was founded in New York on April 10, 1866, and this year is celebrating their 149^th anniversary.  The organization was founded by Henry Bergh, on the belief that animals are entitled to the same rights as humans and should be protected under the law. Bergh was inspired to begin the ASPCA after the creation of the RSPCA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in the United Kingdom.

On February 8, 1866, Bergh stood at Clinton Hall and advocated for the animals. Topics that he spoke about included cockfighting and slaughterhouses. After getting the required signatures for his “Declaration of the Rights of Animals,” Bergh was granted an official charter to incorporate the ASPCA.

Through the work of the ASPCA, by 1888, 37 out of the 38 states in the union enacted anti-cruelty laws that were enforced. In the early years of ASPCA, their focus was on horses and livestock. However, at the turn of the 20^th century, the ASPCA’s focus shifted to small domestic animals like cats and dogs.

Today, there are tons of organizations that focus their efforts on anti-cruelty and animal rights. Among these organizations are People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Our Planet. Theirs Too. (OPTT), and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

What do you think about the ASPCA's work?