ASPCA

From ArticleWorld

The American Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, ASPCA, was founded in 1866 by Henry Bergh. The ASPCA is the oldest humane association in the United States and the first animal welfare group in the Western Hemisphere. Their goal is to “provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”

Primary function

The ASPCA mostly works with domestic animal issues. Pet care, horse cruelty and overall animal cruelty and neglect are the organizations major issues. The ASPCA offers many programs for owners and their pets such as a poison control hotline for pets, a shelter outreach program, a corporate partner program that promotes animal friendly services and products, anti-cruelty program that is designed to teach humane education and enforcement. The state of New York is home to the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division that can be seen in action of the Animal Planet television show, “Animal Precinct.” In addition to programs and education, the ASPCA provides housing and relief for abused and neglected animals including those affected by natural disasters like hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. During Hurricane Katrina, the ASPCA was flooded with donations. They were able to give temporary housing to these pets and reunited most of them with their owners.

Lobbyists

Another function of the ASPCA is to lobby congress on issues of animal rights. They help write and propose animal-friendly legislation for their legislators to look over. They have lobbyists in all 5o states and the Advocacy Brigade allows people to email or write their local government officials on issues regarding humane animal practices.