Recalling Animal Rights

First a thank you to all who have send messages of concern and support regarding my auntie. We are following the path that has been laid out for us, still engaged in various forms of testing, although the larger conclusion that this is cancer is the working assumption…

Of course in the great mix of things where the sad nestles right up against joy, it is a good thing to mark today as the foundation of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The ASPCA was founded as the result of the work of Henry Bergh, himself inspired by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The nascent ASPCA incorporated on this day in 1866. Originally concerned primarily with working animals such as horses, pigeons and livestock, household pets gradually became a major focus.

The ASPCA was chartered to enforce anti animal cruelty laws. As such the ASPCA is unique among the various organizations around the country that include the words “society for the prevention of cruelty to animals” in their names.

Sometimes called the “Great Meddler,” the independently wealthy Bergh devoted much of his life to issues of justice. Bergh’s work also addressed the mistreatment of children and in 1874, he was one of the founders of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Although his primary focus appears to have remained the ASPCA, which he served as president from its founding until his death in 1888.

While organizations like PETA are now the cutting edge of the animal rights movement, the ASPCA remains a highly effective voice for an important continuing issue, worth recalling, and supporting…