The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Alex Valentin

1/30/09

English 3 CP

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Approximately 8-12 million animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year and approximately 5-9 million are euthanized. Euthanization happens to about 60% of dogs and 70% of cats. Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those given up by owners and those picked up by animal control. There are about 5000 community animal shelters nationwide that are independent. Though theses shelters are not directly involved with the ASPCA they all have the same goals in mind. The ASPCA does great things everyday to improve the lives of animals. There are many different reasons to help support the ASPCA and various ways you can help this organization.

Henry Bergh founded the ASPCA in 1866 with the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans, and must be protected under the law. The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City and has become one of the largest animal protection organizations in the world. They have a strong local and countrywide presence in anti-cruelty programs. They are recognized as a national animal welfare organization. They are a privately funded, non-profit corporation. The ASPCA has more than 1 million supporters nationwide. They are the first humane society to be given the legal right to investigate and arrest for crimes against animals. Since 1866 the ASPCA mission stated by Henry Bergh , is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”

Animals are abandoned, abused, and mistreated everyday. They have no voice and need our help to be rescued. The ASPCA helps get the animals to safety. They help stop the running of puppy mills and kitten mills and dog fights that take place throughout the country. They end animal hoarding which involves a neglectful individual collecting tons of animals, sometimes 100+ animals at a time. The ASPCA also fights declawing, ear cropping, cockfights, dog hog fights, factory farms, forced molting and tons of other cruel animal acts.

To help the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals all you have to do is donate money. This can be done by monthly gifts of your choice, honor giving, or even memorial giving. You may also become a member of the ASPCA, with your gift of $25 or more you will receive our quarterly member publication, ASPCA Action. Every dollar given makes a difference in the fight against animal cruelty. In return for your donation you will receive an ASPCA t-shirt and a photograph of a sheltered pet that you’ve helped.

The ASPCA helps animals across the country. They truly care about the welfare of animals and they have for over 140 years. This is an honorable organization that tries everything to improve the lives of animals everyday. For a few dollars a day you can also help save the lives of innocent animals.