The first societies devoted to protecting
animals appeared in the late 1860s. Most of their efforts focused
on working animals, such as the horses that pulled streetcars.
From the beginning, cities gave animal welfare societies the power
to enforce anti-cruelty legislation using their own agents. Even today, animal welfare advocates spend much
of their time and effort combating cruelty and neglect. Animal
shelters provide medical care and a free home to abused and abandoned
animals until a suitable home can be found. Many groups use their
grassroots supporters to press for stronger anti-cruelty legislation.
In some instances, these same groups have the power to enforce
the law.
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Henry Bergh and the ASPCA - Henry
Bergh established the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals in 1866. Bergh created support for his organization
using his wealthy connections and his abilities as a public
speaker. Within ten years, the ASPCA had spread to 32 states
and six Canadian cities.
“The Crowded Car"
Drawn by Sol Eytinge
Harper’s WeeklySeptember 21, 1872
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
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Dog Licensing -
As early as the 1820s, some American cities tried
to enforce licensing for dogs, both as a way to distinguish pets
from strays and as an effort to limit the number of dogs. As welfare
organizations took over municipal animal contol, they too issued
licenses to fund their other efforts.
Collar with Los Angeles
dog license, 1909-1910
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