Introduction
I would venture to guess that most groomers and pet owners are not aware that the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals publishes an information rich website, www.ASPCA.org, on dogs, cats, horses and farm animals. I find the information on known poisons and toxins in their Poison Control Center to be particularly useful in an emergency.
If you take some time to explore this little Internet gem, you’ll be rewarded with some interesting facts that you can use with your pets and groomers can use in their business.
A Short History of the ASPCA
Henry Bergh, an American shipbuilder, founded the ASPCA in New York City on April 10th, 1866, just a year and a day after the end of the Civil War. While most people today think of the ASPCA as an organization for handling stray cats and dogs, the society’s [and Henry Bergh’s] original focus was preventing cruelty to the trolley horses that labored on the dark streets of New York City. These animals had a miserable existence and often worked under deplorable conditions.
Today, some 156 years later, the ASPCA is a multifaceted organization with medical and teaching facilities , as well as a support organization for hundreds of animal shelters located around the US. Over the years, the ASPCA has pioneered a number of medical breakthroughs and treatments for animals that have become standard practice in Veterinary Clinics around the world, and they’ve successfully lobbied lawmakers here and abroad to enact rules and procedures for the humane treatment of animals.
Animal Care
Often before finding their way to a shelter, an animal may have been the victim of starvation or cruelty or both. The ASPCA sponsors a Behavioral Rehabilitation and Animal Cruelty Recovery Center. In a number of major cities across the US they also operate Animal Hospitals with programs that help low and middle income people take care of their pets. The website also has a number of informational videos and articles to help people recognize the signs of animal abuse.
Poison Control Center
In 1996, the ASPCA acquired the Animal Poison Control Center from the University of Illinois. If a pet accidentally ingests a potentially toxic substance, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at: (888) 426-4435 for immediate assistance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. To date the Center has handled several million inquires.
Pet Adoption
Each year thousands of abandoned animals through the ASPCA are given a second chance at a good life. The ASPCA helps to support dozens of pet shelters making pet adoption possibile, but these shelters are expensive to run and they are not always supported financially by local governments, so one of the greatest functions of the ASPCA is to raise money for food, utility bills and medical care while an animal is waiting for an adoptive family. Their website offers a secure encrypted portal through which you can safely donate to the many centers around the country.
Animal Protection
The ASPCA over the course of its history has lobbied state, local and federal government to enact laws for the protection of animals. Most conspicuously they have been at the forefront of the fight against “puppy mills” where dogs are overbred in pursuit of a profit from their sale in various pet stores.
Matt’s Blog
Matthew Bershadker became the CEO of ASPCA in 1998 and is responsible for the daily operation of the organization throughout the US. As a contribution to the website, he writes blog posts which cover a variety of subject related to the protection of animals.
A Last Word
Today the ASPCA boasts some 2 million members. Sadly, the work they do is still badly needed around the country, where they continue to fight “puppy mills” and pet hoarders that keep animals in deplorable conditions. These animals have no way of defending themselves, so the rely very much on our intervention to provide them with the quality of life they deserve. Spend a few minutes on www.ASPCA.org and donate if you can.