This month, the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) turns 150 years old.
Founded in 1866, by New York shipbuilder, Henry Bergh, the society has long been the United States’ first line of defense against animal mistreatment. The ASPCA facilitates adoptions, rescues, and rehabilitations, and protects innocent animals from future harm.
By rescuing, placing, and protecting abused animals, the ASPCA gives second chances to creatures that might have otherwise never known any true, humane happiness during their lifetimes.
Now, what would a birthday be without a little celebrating?
To commemorate this amazing achievement, Time recently revisited iconic photos from the ASPCA’s archives, showcasing some of the cutest animals the organization has helped over the last 150 years.
Keep scrolling to see iconic photos from the society’s archives, and to learn how the ASPCA has moved mountains for all sorts of precious animals over the past century and a half.
[H/T: Time]
This year, the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will celebrate its 150th anniversary.
For the past century and a half, this society has been diligently battling animal homelessness and cruelty issues nationwide.
How did the ASPCA come to be all those years ago?
Legend has it that the society’s founder, Henry Bergh, gathered signatures to enact this nonprofit after witnessing a man ceaselessly beat a poor horse during a trip through Russia.
Upon returning to the States, he hit the streets gathering signatures to end animal cruelty.
Just one week after being granted a charter for the group, New York state passed legislation protecting animals from enduring cruelty, bestowing Bergh’s ASPCA with the power to enforce these new mandates.
Animal cruelty, though, had undoubtedly been going on long before 1866. What made this year the opportune time for an organization like the ASPCA to finally form?
Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, ASPCA historian, told Time, “One of the things to always keep in context is that we’re talking about the period following the Civil War.
“It was a period of tremendous social upheaval and change.”
During this tumultuous time, folks were likely reconsidering many of the beliefs and practices they’d previously held true, making the opportunity ripe for Bergh and the ASPCA to step in and reposition society’s perception of animals.
They advocated that we view animals less as property and more as companions, deserving of our humane love, care, and protection.
Over the past 150 years, the ASPCA has valiantly battled animal cruelty and homelessness, running shelters and advocating for pet surrender if responsibilities become too overwhelming.
Last year alone, the ASPCA rescued and assisted a combined 12,200 different animals and facilitated 4,600 adoptions from their adoption centers.
Are you interested in protecting animal rights? The ASPCA offers a multitude of different ways to get involved.
From adopting to fundraising to volunteering to advocating, you can take action and make a positive difference in animals’ lives.
Even the simple act of sharing your story as an animal lover can do worlds of good in the continued fight against animal cruelty.
The ASPCA has been changing the way we understand and care for animals since 1866, gifting hope to the hopeless and filling our world with more of that very special something — unconditional love.
What do you think of these incredible images? Are you a supporter of the ASPCA? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE these vintage photos with anyone you know looking to adopt a pet or get involved with the protection of animals!
