Historic Day for Animals, ASPCA 142 Years Old

Today is a really big day for all of us animals. 142 years ago today, the ASPCA was started by a man who had a lot of money and liked to use it for good causes. His name was Henry Bergh.

In case you forget what ASPCA stands for, it is American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Abraham Lincoln was President when Bergh's passion to help animals came about. It was under unusual circumstances. He had been appointed by Lincoln as a diplomat for the Czar of Russia, Alexander II. He was shocked and dismayed to see how the work horses were treated, beaten an abused.

There was already a Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in London, which he visited on his trip home to America. This was his inspiration to start a similar organization here in the USA, making it against the law to abuse animals. He called animals the "mute servants of mankind" when he argued his case.

Ultimately, his efforts lead to the incorporation of the ASPCA on April 10, 1866, 142 years ago today.

It is interesting that AFTER this organization was started, a similar one to prevent cruelty to children was formed, and Bergh served as a Vice President of the organization for a period of time.

For more information on the ASPCA, visit their site at http://www.aspca.org.