American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

File:ASPCA headquarters.png in 1920]]

File:Miss Baker with Certificate of Merit.jpg, a squirrel monkey, poses with the Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Service she was awarded by the ASPCA after her successful return to Earth, the associated medal, and the couch used for her 1959 flight (to the right). Baker and her traveling companion Able were the first animals to return alive from space.]]

Following the creation of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in the United Kingdom in 1824 (given Royal status in 1840), Henry Bergh founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on April 10, 1866, in New York City on the belief that "animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans, and must be protected under the law". It is the oldest animal welfare organization in the United States. On February 8, 1866, Bergh pleaded on behalf of animals at a meeting at Clinton Hall in New York City. Some of the issues he discussed were cockfighting and the horrors of slaughterhouses.{{Cite web |title=ASPCA is founded |url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/aspca-is-founded |access-date=2021-04-05 |website=HISTORY |language=en |archive-date=2021-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410103937/https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/aspca-is-founded |url-status=live }} After getting signatures for his "Declaration of the Rights of Animals," Bergh was given an official charter to incorporate the ASPCA on April 10, 1866.{{Cite web |title=The Development of the Anti-Cruelty Laws During the 1800's {{!}} Animal Legal & Historical Center |url=https://www.animallaw.info/article/development-anti-cruelty-laws-during-1800s |access-date=2021-04-06 |website=www.animallaw.info |archive-date=2021-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410155522/https://www.animallaw.info/article/development-anti-cruelty-laws-during-1800s |url-status=live }} On April 19, 1866, the first anti-cruelty law was passed in NY since the founding of ASPCA, and the organization was granted the right to enforce anti-cruelty laws. In 1867, ASPCA operated its first ambulance for injured horses and began advocating for more humane treatment of animals such as horses, live pigeons, cats, and dogs. Early goals of ASPCA focused on efforts for horses and livestock, since at the time they were used for a number of activities.{{Cite journal |last=Priest |first=Claire |date=2019 |title=Enforcing Sympathy: Animal Cruelty Doctrine after the Civil War |journal=Law & Social Inquiry |language=en |volume=44 |issue=1 |pages=136–169 |doi=10.1017/lsi.2018.11 |issn=0897-6546 |doi-access=free}}

In 1918, ASPCA veterinarians developed the use of anesthesia and as a result were able to work on a horse with a broken kneecap.

In 1954, ASPCA hospitals added pathology and radiography laboratories and programs. In 1961, ASPCA veterinarians performed their first open-heart surgery on a dog.{{cite web |url=http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_history |title=ASPCA |website=ASPCA |access-date=2023-02-04 |archive-date=2005-09-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050907042627/http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_history |url-status=live }}

From 1894 to 1994, the ASPCA operated the municipal animal shelter system in New York City which euthanized unadopted animals. Starting in 1977, the ASPCA entered into a contract with the New York City Department of Health to receive municipal funding to operate the shelter system. The contract rendered the ASPCA increasingly reliant on government income rather than private donations, and subject to the effects of annual city budget appropriations. In 1993, the ASPCA decided not to renew its contract for operating the shelter system.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/26/nyregion/aspca-plans-to-stop-killing-strays.html |work=The New York Times |title=A.S.P.C.A. Plans to Stop Killing Strays |first=Jonathan P. |last=Hicks |date=March 26, 1993 |access-date=February 4, 2023 |archive-date=January 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128223557/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/26/nyregion/aspca-plans-to-stop-killing-strays.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Office Of Oversight and Investigations - New York City Council |title=Dying for homes: Animal care and control in New York City |url=http://www.shelterreform.org/DyingForHomesPart1.html |date=June 1997 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630031700/http://shelterreform.org/DyingForHomesPart1.html |archive-date=2011-06-30}} Operation of the shelter system was transferred to Center for Animal Care and Control, later renamed Animal Care Centers of NYC, in 1995.{{cite web |title=Audit Report on the Shelter Conditions and Adoption Efforts of the Center for Animal Care and Control |url=https://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/ME01_109A.pdf |website=comptroller.nyc.gov |date=2002-06-06 |access-date=2023-02-04 |archive-date=2022-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010130947/https://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/ME01_109A.pdf |url-status=live }}

In 1996, ASPCA acquired the Animal Poison Control Center from the University of Illinois.{{Cite web |date=2011-10-01 |title=Success, 150 Years In The Making The History of ASPCA' S Charitable Efforts |url=https://www.thepetgazette.com/dogs/success-150-years-in-the-making-the-history-of-aspca-s-charitable-efforts/ |access-date=2021-04-15 |website=Pets Magazine in New York {{!}} Dogs Magazine {{!}} Cats Magazine |language=en |archive-date=2021-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415141536/https://www.thepetgazette.com/dogs/success-150-years-in-the-making-the-history-of-aspca-s-charitable-efforts/ |url-status=live }} In 2013, the ASPCA made a $25 million commitment to assist at-risk animals and pet owners in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, including a fully subsidized spay/neuter facility in South Los Angeles operated by the ASPCA and a campaign to encourage the fostering of local vulnerable kittens.{{cite web |title=Agency starts big pet-rescue project in California |url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/weather/agency-starts-big-pet-rescue-project-california-143019598.html |website=Yahoo.com |access-date=2021-05-19 |date=2014-05-06 |archive-date=2021-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519101539/https://in.news.yahoo.com/weather/agency-starts-big-pet-rescue-project-california-143019598.html |url-status=live }}

In 2014, ASPCA spoke out in support of New York City's new mayor's (Bill de Blasio) campaign to ban horse-drawn carriages in the city.{{cite web |date=2014-01-17 |title=Who Speaks for the Carriage Horses? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/nyregion/who-speaks-for-the-horses-in-battle-over-carriages.html |work=New York Times |access-date=2023-02-04 |archive-date=2022-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216031411/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/nyregion/who-speaks-for-the-horses-in-battle-over-carriages.html |url-status=live }}

In 2014, ASPCA opened the Gloria Gurney Canine Annex for Recovery & Enrichment (CARE) in NYC to house dogs brought by the NYPD to the ASPCA in connection with animal cruelty investigations.{{Cite web |last=Charlesworth |first=Michelle |date=2015-10-05 |title=Rehab facility for abused dogs opens at Upper East Side ASPCA |url=https://abc7ny.com/1017964/ |access-date=2021-05-30 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en |archive-date=2021-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212944/https://abc7ny.com/1017964/ |url-status=live }} In 2014, ASPCA also opened the ASPCA Kitten Nursery in NYC to care for neonate and very young homeless kittens until they are appropriate for adoption.{{Cite web |last=Kis |first=Eva |title=PHOTOS: Inside the ASPCA's Kitten Nursery, the cutest place in NYC - Metro US |url=https://www.metro.us/photos-inside-the-aspcas-kitten-nursery-the-cutest-place-in-nyc/ |access-date=2021-05-30 |website=www.metro.us |date=14 May 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213321/https://www.metro.us/photos-inside-the-aspcas-kitten-nursery-the-cutest-place-in-nyc/ |url-status=live }}

In 2015, ASPCA acquired the Asheville, North Carolina–based Humane Alliance, now called the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance.{{cite web |title='We do one thing, and one thing only' ASPCA tackles pet overpopulation with training program devoted to high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter |url=https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2019-05-01/we-do-one-thing-and-one-thing-only |website=avma.org |date=2019-04-10 |access-date=2023-02-04 |archive-date=2022-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816155628/https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2019-05-01/we-do-one-thing-and-one-thing-only |url-status=live }}

In 2018, ASPCA established the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center. Located in Weaverville, North Carolina, the Center provides behavioral rehabilitation to canine victims of cruelty and neglect. The center's Learning Lab also disseminates rehabilitative aid and training to shelters around the country.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Elizabeth Anne |title=Puppy mill survivors are paralyzed with fear. ASPCA learned to save almost all of them. |url=https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/01/30/wnc-weaverville-aspca-facility-cures-dogs-paralyzed-fear/4552440002/ |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=The Asheville Citizen Times |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204092824/https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/01/30/wnc-weaverville-aspca-facility-cures-dogs-paralyzed-fear/4552440002/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=1 Of A Kind Shelter Helps Traumatized Dogs Learn To Trust Humans Again |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/12/24/933435001/one-of-a-kind-shelter-helps-traumatized-dogs-learn-to-trust-humans-again |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=NPR.org |language=en |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523002448/https://www.npr.org/2020/12/24/933435001/one-of-a-kind-shelter-helps-traumatized-dogs-learn-to-trust-humans-again |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |first=Ken |last=Ulmer |date=2018-05-10 |title=Canine Crusaders: ASPCA Rehab Center Opens In Weaverville |url=https://the828.com/2018/05/10/aspca/ |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=The 828 |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523002449/https://the828.com/2018/05/10/aspca/ |url-status=live }}

In 2019, ASPCA opened the ASPCA Community Veterinary Center in Liberty City, Miami, Florida, to provide subsidized veterinary services for an underserved community.{{cite web |title=Residents in Liberty City area can go to this new center for free veterinary care |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/edison-liberty-city/article236734653.html |website=Miami Herald |date=2019-10-28 |access-date=2023-02-04 |archive-date=2021-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703145832/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/edison-liberty-city/article236734653.html |url-status=live }} It also took over responsibility for The Right Horse Initiative as an official program of the ASPCA in 2019.{{Cite web |date=2021-03-29 |title=My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week – Shady |url=https://www.horseillustrated.com/my-right-horse-adoptable-horse-shady |access-date=2021-04-12 |website=Horse Illustrated |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412204029/https://www.horseillustrated.com/my-right-horse-adoptable-horse-shady |url-status=live }}

In 2020, ASPCA opened the ASPCA Community Veterinary Center in the Bronx, New York.{{cite web |title=ASPCA announces $45 million commitment to help animal cruelty victims and low-income pet owners |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/pets/sns-aspca-commits-millions-to-help-animal-cruelty-victims-20190711-sx4gqxiesvdqdmrhntpyw477g4-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |date=2019-07-11 |access-date=2023-02-04 |archive-date=2021-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622000028/https://www.chicagotribune.com/pets/sns-aspca-commits-millions-to-help-animal-cruelty-victims-20190711-sx4gqxiesvdqdmrhntpyw477g4-story.html |url-status=live }}

In 2020, ASPCA launched a series of programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on pets, owners, and communities including free pet food for dogs, cats, and horses in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Asheville, grants to animal welfare organizations, emergency pet boarding services, a New York City COVID-19 Pet Hotline, and expanded stationary and mobile veterinary care.{{Cite web |title=Americans are starting to give up their pets because of COVID-19 hardships |url=https://www.today.com/pets/americans-are-starting-give-pets-during-covid-19-crisis-t192819 |access-date=2021-05-30 |website=TODAY.com |date=2 October 2020 |language=en |archive-date=2021-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212721/https://www.today.com/pets/americans-are-starting-give-pets-during-covid-19-crisis-t192819 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-11-09 |title=Coronavirus spurs surge in North Bay pet adoptions |url=https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/industrynews/worries-about-pet-costs-rise-with-surge-in-adoptions-during-coronavirus-pan/ |access-date=2021-05-30 |website=The North Bay Business Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213028/https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/industrynews/worries-about-pet-costs-rise-with-surge-in-adoptions-during-coronavirus-pan/ |url-status=live }}

In 2021, the Society opened the ASPCA Community Veterinary Center supported by the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust, in NYC.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-09 |title=Around Brooklyn: Applications to community boards up |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2021/04/09/around-brooklyn-applications-to-community-boards-up/ |access-date=2021-05-30 |website=Brooklyn Eagle |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523000302/https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2021/04/09/around-brooklyn-applications-to-community-boards-up/ |url-status=live }}

As of 2023, ASPCA's New York hospital was treating 9,000–10,000 patients annually.{{cite news |title=Across town from show dogs, a labor to save suffering ones |last1=Peltz |first1=Jennifer |url=https://apnews.com/article/dog-show-westminster-aspca-shelter-history-54ca7a2c3a2dd6cd174bbd778c4ac72d |work=Associated Press |date=May 7, 2023 |access-date=October 31, 2023}}

In 2023, ASPCA began releasing an annual report that grades major grocery retailers in the United States on their policies around animal welfare, such as selling cage-free eggs and pork raised without gestation crates.{{cite web |title=Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods receive 'A' grade for animal welfare |last1=Rajagopal |first1=Alarice |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-financial/sprouts-farmers-market-whole-foods-receive-grade-animal-welfare |work=Supermarket News |date=September 1, 2023 |access-date=October 31, 2023}}

Image:NYC ASPCA Police Patch.jpg

An ASPCA fundraising commercial featuring Sarah McLachlan began airing in early 2007. By December 2008, it had raised more than $30 million for the ASPCA, becoming the organization's most successful fundraising campaign. The New York Times reported that the spot became known as "The Ad" in non-profit circles.{{Cite news |last=Strom |first=Stephanie |date=2008-12-26 |title=Ad Featuring Singer Proves Bonanza for the A.S.P.C.A. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/26/us/26charity.html |access-date=2024-03-30 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

In 2021, CBS News reported that the ad misled donors, who believed that their financial contributions supported local SPCAs and animal welfare charities. The CBS News investigation focused on "questions about whether the money is going where donors expect," reporting the ASPCA raised $2 billion for animal welfare between 2008 and 2019 and spent only $146 million in grants to local animal welfare groups. In response, a spokesperson for the ASPCA said that donors were aware that the ASPCA was not an umbrella organization for local organizations with SPCA in their names.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-02 |title=ASPCA spending may not be what donors expect, CBS News investigation finds - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aspca-spending-donor-cbs-news-investigation/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}

After the CBS News piece aired, two widely-shared posts on Facebook claimed that the ASPCA's CEO was paid $600,000 annually, and that only three cents of each dollar donated were used "for veterinary supplies and for transporting the animals". USA Today fact-checked the posts and found that based on ASPCA tax filings, 34.4% of the ASPCA's budget was used for shelter and veterinary care, and an average of 75.1% of expenses were used to support its mission statement.{{Cite web |last=Wagner |first=Bayliss |title=Fact check: Widely shared post on ASPCA distorts charity's spending |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/07/16/fact-check-post-on-aspca-distorts-spending/7800313002/ |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}

In 2012, the ASPCA agreed to pay Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus $9.3 million to settle a lawsuit regarding the ASPCA's false allegations of animal cruelty by the circus. Courts found that ASPCA activists had paid the key witness, a former Ringling barn helper, at least $190,000, making him "essentially a paid plaintiff" who lacked credibility.{{cite web |url=http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22273969/animal-rights-group-settles-lawsuit-ringling/ |title=Animal rights group settles lawsuit with Ringling |publisher=Denver Post |url-status=dead |access-date=2017-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230031351/http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22273969/animal-rights-group-settles-lawsuit-ringling/ |archive-date=December 30, 2012}} Edwin J. Sayres stepped down as CEO in 2012, and in 2013 longtime ASPCA staff member Matthew Bershadker was named president and CEO.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/30/fashion/angst-at-the-aspca.html |title=Angst at the ASPCA |work=New York Times |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=2013-06-28 |last1=Bernstein |first1=Jacob |archive-date=2021-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323200108/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/30/fashion/angst-at-the-aspca.html |url-status=live }}

The ASPCA's Government Relations, Legal Advocacy and Investigations departments work with state and federal lawmakers and engage in legislative and litigation efforts to secure stronger legal protections for animals.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-09 |title=Around Brooklyn: Applications to community boards up |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2021/04/09/around-brooklyn-applications-to-community-boards-up/ |access-date=2021-05-22 |website=Brooklyn Eagle |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523000256/https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2021/04/09/around-brooklyn-applications-to-community-boards-up/ |url-status=live }}

Some of the animal welfare issues the departments work on include ending puppy mills and breed-specific legislation.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-13 |title=Survey shows the risk of buying a puppy from a pet store |url=https://www.fox17online.com/news/national/1-in-4-people-say-they-know-someone-who-has-purchased-a-sick-puppy-from-a-pet-store-survey-shows |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=WXMI |language=en |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523000256/https://www.fox17online.com/news/national/1-in-4-people-say-they-know-someone-who-has-purchased-a-sick-puppy-from-a-pet-store-survey-shows |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-07-23 |title=New York State lawmakers seek to stop puppy mill pipeline |url=https://www.news10.com/news/new-york-state-lawmakers-seek-to-stop-puppy-mill-pipeline/ |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=NEWS10 ABC |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523000804/https://www.news10.com/news/new-york-state-lawmakers-seek-to-stop-puppy-mill-pipeline/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-04-23 |title=Rethinking the Regulation of Dog Breeds {{!}} The Regulatory Review |url=https://www.theregreview.org/2020/04/23/mancuso-rethinking-regulation-dog-breeds/ |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=www.theregreview.org |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523000805/https://www.theregreview.org/2020/04/23/mancuso-rethinking-regulation-dog-breeds/ |url-status=live }}

In 2019, the ASPCA sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture for access to animal breeder inspection records.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-03 |title=Adopt or Shop: This Dog Startup Says You Don't Have to Choose |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-03/adopting-a-dog-good-dog-site-vets-breeders-to-avoid-puppy-mills |url-status=live |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=www.bloomberg.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523000255/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-03/adopting-a-dog-good-dog-site-vets-breeders-to-avoid-puppy-mills |archive-date=2021-05-23}}

ASPCA was among the animal welfare groups that supported the "puppy mill pipeline" bill in New York, which was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on December 15, 2022. The law went into effect in 2024 and makes it illegal to sell dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores in New York.{{cite web |title=NY law ends 'puppy mill pipeline,' bans pet stores from selling cats, dogs and rabbits |last1=Harding |first1=Robert |url=https://auburnpub.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ny-law-ends-puppy-mill-pipeline-bans-pet-stores-from-selling-cats-dogs-and-rabbits/article_448548d7-0887-5604-bd1b-71c05b81e2ca.html |work=The Citizen |date=December 16, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2023 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330224149/https://auburnpub.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ny-law-ends-puppy-mill-pipeline-bans-pet-stores-from-selling-cats-dogs-and-rabbits/article_448548d7-0887-5604-bd1b-71c05b81e2ca.html |url-status=live }} The organization's senior director of state legislation said the law is needed because many puppies are imported from other states where New York does not have jurisdiction to inspect the conditions in the breeding facility.{{cite web |title=NY Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill signed into law by Gov. Hochul |last1=Collins |first1=Kate |url=https://www.ithacajournal.com/story/news/local/new-york/2022/12/15/new-york-puppy-mill-pipeline-bill-moves-forward/69723866007/ |work=Ithaca Journal |date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2023 |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226095247/https://www.ithacajournal.com/story/news/local/new-york/2022/12/15/new-york-puppy-mill-pipeline-bill-moves-forward/69723866007/ |url-status=live }}

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At the invitation of local agencies, ASPCA deploys to sites of large-scale animal abuse, animal neglect, natural disasters, or man-made disasters in which animals are at risk. Teams, including National Field Response, Legal Advocacy and Investigations, Forensic Sciences, the Cruelty Recovery Center, Relocation and the Behavioral Sciences team, engage in animal rescue efforts. They provide behavioral and medical treatment for the animals and support the prosecution of criminal cases with forensic science, evidence collection and analysis, and legal and expert testimony support.{{Cite web |title=Overview of ASPCA Field Investigations & Response and the Nuts and Bolts of Animals in Distress-Disasters |url=https://www.maddiesfund.org/nuts-and-bolts-of-animals-in-distress-disasters.htm |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=Maddie's Fund |language=en-us |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523001149/https://www.maddiesfund.org/nuts-and-bolts-of-animals-in-distress-disasters.htm |url-status=live }}

Cases involving torture, killings and mistreatment of animals are some examples of cases handled by the ASPCA. A common example was displayed in the news in October 2008, when ASPCA was in charge of an investigation involving the slaughtering of a beagle that lived in the Bronx.{{cite web |date=2008-11-05 |title=Man Charged With Killing Wife's Dog |url=http://www.irishabroad.com/news/irish-voice/news/Articles/wifes-dog-killed051108.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610001201/http://www.irishabroad.com/news/irish-voice/news/Articles/wifes-dog-killed051108.aspx |archive-date=2011-06-10 |access-date=2011-11-08 |publisher=Irishabroad.com}}

In 2016, ASPCA field deployment teams participated in a large animal cruelty rescue operation, rescuing nearly 700 animals from an unlicensed facility in North Carolina.

Other large-scale ASPCA rescues included providing emergency sheltering and assistance for approximately 1,300 animals displaced during the Joplin tornado in 2011 and assisting with the care of 367 dogs in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia in 2013, in what has been believed to be the second-largest dogfighting raid in U.S. history.{{Cite web |title=Pets rescued, treated after deadly tornado |url=https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2011-07-15/pets-rescued-treated-after-deadly-tornado |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=American Veterinary Medical Association |language=en |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523002448/https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2011-07-15/pets-rescued-treated-after-deadly-tornado |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2013-08-26 |title=ASPCA: 367 dogs rescued from 'horrendous conditions' in Alabama, Georgia (photos, video) |url=https://www.al.com/montgomery/2013/08/367_dogs_rescued_in_second-lar.html |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=al |language=en |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523002448/https://www.al.com/montgomery/2013/08/367_dogs_rescued_in_second-lar.html |url-status=live }}

In September 2013, after many years of providing humane law enforcement services in NYC, the ASPCA and the New York City Police Department announced a collaboration to provide enhanced protection to New York City's animals.{{Cite web |last=Tracy |first=Thomas |title=NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton awarded for fighting animal abuse in the city |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/aspca-present-nypd-commissioner-bratton-award-article-1.2009034 |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=nydailynews.com |date=13 November 2014 |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523002448/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/aspca-present-nypd-commissioner-bratton-award-article-1.2009034 |url-status=live }} In this partnership, the NYPD responds to all animal cruelty complaints throughout New York City, while the ASPCA provides medical and behavioral care for animal cruelty victims and provides legal and forensic assistance in the prosecution of cases.{{Cite web |last=Toussaint |first=Kristin |title=ASPCA and NYPD continue their mission to protect the animals of NYC - Metro US |url=https://www.metro.us/aspca-and-nypd-continue-their-mission-to-protect-the-animals-of-nyc/ |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=www.metro.us |date=30 January 2019 |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523002449/https://www.metro.us/aspca-and-nypd-continue-their-mission-to-protect-the-animals-of-nyc/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad gets its own set of wheels |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2018/08/27/go-inside-the-nypd-animal-cruelty-investigation-squad-s-new-mobile-command-center |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=www.ny1.com |language=en |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523002449/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2018/08/27/go-inside-the-nypd-animal-cruelty-investigation-squad-s-new-mobile-command-center |url-status=live }} The ASPCA Community Engagement team also works closely with the NYPD to connect pets in need to services such as medical care, grooming and pet supplies.{{Cite web |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |title=Intervention program helps pull animal hoarders from a downward spiral |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/intervention-program-helps-pull-animal-hoarders-downward-spiral-article-1.1315272 |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=nydailynews.com |date=14 April 2013 |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523002448/https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/intervention-program-helps-pull-animal-hoarders-downward-spiral-article-1.1315272 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Pups in Jamaica to Brave Cold in Free Doghouses, ASPCA Says |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140304/jamaica/pups-jamaica-brave-cold-free-dog-houses-aspca-says |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=DNAinfo New York |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523002452/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140304/jamaica/pups-jamaica-brave-cold-free-dog-houses-aspca-says/ |url-status=dead}}

In 2020, ASPCA also opened the ASPCA Veterinary Forensic Science Center in Gainesville, Florida, to assist law enforcement with animal cruelty investigations and prosecutions.{{Cite web |last=Chernicoff |first=Michelle |date=2021-03-30 |title=ASPCA partnership brings new courses to FIU |url=https://casenews.fiu.edu/2021/03/30/aspca-partnership-brings-new-courses-to-fiu/ |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=CASE NEWS |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523000256/https://casenews.fiu.edu/2021/03/30/aspca-partnership-brings-new-courses-to-fiu/ |url-status=live }}

The ASPCA's Farm Animal Welfare Program features a "Shop With Your Heart" campaign that guides consumers on making animal welfare-conscious food buying decisions including seeking out meat, egg, and dairy products certified by one of three credible animal welfare certifications, including Global Animal Partnership (GAP), and exploring more plant-based food options.{{Cite news |last=Chaker |first=Anne Marie |date=2018-07-31 |title=Have You Met This Cow? She's Delicious. |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/have-you-met-this-cow-hes-delicious-1533044979 |access-date=2021-05-23 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523004324/https://www.wsj.com/articles/have-you-met-this-cow-hes-delicious-1533044979 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2019-04-08 |title=Cafe Spice Joins ASPCA's Shop With Your Heart Program |url=https://www.perishablenews.com/deli/cafe-spice-joins-aspcas-shop-with-your-heart-program/ |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=Perishable News |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523004326/https://www.perishablenews.com/deli/cafe-spice-joins-aspcas-shop-with-your-heart-program/ |url-status=live }}

The ASPCA's Right Horse Initiative is focused on increasing the number of successful horse adoptions in the U.S. and improving the number of positive outcomes for horses in transition as they move from one home, career, or owner to the next.{{Cite web |date=2021-03-29 |title=My Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week - Shady |url=https://www.horseillustrated.com/my-right-horse-adoptable-horse-shady |access-date=2021-05-23 |website=Horse Illustrated |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618232621/https://www.horseillustrated.com/my-right-horse-adoptable-horse-shady |url-status=live }}

ASPCA works with other animal welfare organizations and rescue groups to relocate animals from areas with high rates of euthanasia in animal shelters to locations with higher adoption rates. Often, animals are moved from the southern to northern U.S. states. Animals may be transported using aircraft or vehicles, sometimes being relayed between transporters multiple times along the way. As of March 2022, ASPCA had a fleet of 18 vans used for transport. The organization relocated approximately 200,000 animals between 2017 and 2022.{{cite magazine |last1=Blum |first1=Andrew |date=February 3, 2022 |title=How America Saved Millions of Dogs—By Moving Them |magazine=Time |url=https://time.com/6144366/dog-adoption-relocation-aspca/ |access-date=February 10, 2023}}

ASPCA operates centers where dogs that have experienced abuse or trauma receive treatment and behavior rehabilitation before being cleared for adoption. As of 2022, the organization has committed $40 million to building and operating the centers, which are located in Weaverville, North Carolina,{{cite magazine |title=1,000 Dogs Are Put Down Every Day. These Trainers Are Trying to Save Them |last1=Solotaroff |first1=Paul |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/dog-rescue-trainers-aspca-1363840/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 4, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2023}} Columbus, Ohio,{{cite news |title=More than 170 dogs euthanized in Nye County cruelty case |last1=Spears |first1=Darcy |url=https://www.ktnv.com/13-investigates/more-than-170-dogs-euthanized-in-nye-county-cruelty-case |work=KTNV |date=November 21, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404204642/https://www.ktnv.com/13-investigates/more-than-170-dogs-euthanized-in-nye-county-cruelty-case |url-status=live }} with another being developed in Pawling, New York. The Weaverville center opened in 2020 and was the world's first clinic for treating dogs that have been severely traumatized. The concept was conceived in 2010 by two ASPCA behaviorists as a way to reduce the number of dogs that are euthanized in shelters for behavior issues. The organization piloted the program in 2013 at a temporary site in Madison, New Jersey and reported that approximately 90 percent of the dogs treated recovered enough to be adopted. In 2014, ASPCA purchased land in Weaverville where it built the center. As of July 2022, the Weaverville center had 35 full-time staff, and had rehabilitated 500 dogs since opening.

File:ASPCA Animal Kingdom.png

The ASPCA published The Animal Kingdom magazine in the 1870s which became Our Animal Friends: An Illustrated Monthly Magazine in the 1890s. The magazine featured articles from well known authors of the day, including Louisa May Alcott and Harriet Beecher Stowe.Alexander, Lloyd. (1964). Fifty Years in the Doghouse. Putnam. p. 201 It was renamed Animal Protection (1947–1977) and later became ASPCA Bulletin (1977–1981), ASPCA Quarterly Report (1981–1989), ASPCA Report (1989–1992) and Animal Watch: The Magazine of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1993–2004).Nyberg, Cheryl; Porta, Maria A; Boast, Carol. (1994). Laboratory Animal Welfare: A Guide to Reference Tools, Legal Materials, Organizations, Federal Agencies. BN Books. p. 38. {{ISBN|978-0961629397}}Katz, William A; Katz, Bill; Katz, Linda Sternberg. (2003). Magazines for Libraries: For the General Reader and School, Junior College, College, University, and Public Libraries. Bowker. p. 130 In 1964, Lloyd Alexander authored their history, Fifty Years in the Doghouse which was commissioned by the ASPCA.Jacobs, James S; Tunnell, Michael O. (1991). Lloyd Alexander: A Bio-Bibliography. Bloomsbury. p. 37. {{ISBN|978-0313265860}}

Copies of the ASPCA's magazine Animal Protection are digitized and stored at NC State University Libraries.{{Cite web|date=2024|title=American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals|url=https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/?f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=American+Society+for+the+Prevention+of+Cruelty+to+Animals+%28ASPCA%29&to=catalog%23show_metadata|website=NC State University Libraries|language=en-GB|archive-date=September 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902161205/https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/?f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=American+Society+for+the+Prevention+of+Cruelty+to+Animals+%28ASPCA%29&to=catalog%23show_metadata|url-status=live}} The ASPCA currently publishes the ASPCA Action magazine.{{Cite web|date=2024|title=ASPCA Action|url=https://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-action|website=ASPCA|language=en-GB|archive-date=September 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902004719/https://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-action|url-status=live}}

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• Humane Society of the United States
• List of animal welfare organizations

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Much of the content of this article is based on information from the official ASPCA website: {{cite web |title=ASPCA: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals |url=http://www.aspca.org/Pressroom/press-releases/050213}}

• [https://www.aspca.org/ ASPCA]

{{Animal welfare}}

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Category:ASPCA

Category:1866 establishments in New York (state)

Category:Animal charities based in the United States

Category:Animal welfare organizations based in the United States

Category:Charities based in New York City

Category:Cruelty to animals

Category:Organizations established in 1866