|
140 Years!
April 10, 2006 will mark the 140th birthday of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the oldest humane organization in the western hemisphere. Born in New York City, Henry Bergh and his brother ran their father's shipbuilding company. When President Lincoln appointed him secretary of the American Legation in Russia he was horrified to see animals treated cruelly. A visit in London to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals awakened his decisive action to secure a charter not only to incorporate the ASPCA but to exercise the power to arrest and prosecute violators of the law.
When Henry Bergh first spoke up for animal rights in Civil War era New York, America was not an animal-friendly place. Workhorses hauled overloaded carts, only to be whipped or abandoned to die in the gutter if they grew too lame or ill to work. Dogcatchers, paid by the animal, rounded up pets in cages and tossed them in the river. "Sportsmen" openly bet on animals that took hours to fight to the death. With a knack for oratory and friends in high places, Bergh's impassioned accounts of the horrors inflicted on animals led the New York State legislature to pass the charter incorporating the ASPCA on April 10, 1866. Nine days later the first effective anticruelty law was passed and, with a staff of three, the ASPCA began is work to enforce it.
Bergh was a hands on reformer and his lean, well tailored figure became a familiar sight on the streets of New York. Day after day he inspected slaughter houses, worked with police to close down dog fighting pits, penetrated buildings to inspect collars and saddles for raw flesh and lectured in schools and to adult societies.
Within five years of the ASPCA's founding, humane societies had sprung up in cities such as Boston, Buffalo and San Francisco. Bergh's pioneering animal work translated into benefits for human society as well. By 1874, child advocates, emboldened by Bergh's dramatic street rescues of mistreated horses and livestock, turned to the famous leader to help found the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children on behalf of a horribly abused nine-year-old, Mary Ellen McCormack.
By the time Bergh died in 1888, 37 of the 38 states in the Union had passed anticruelty laws. He left his mark not just on the streets of New York City but throughout the nation. Throughout it's history the ASPCA has continued Bergh's efforts to end cruelty and protect and care for animals. In 1894 the ASPCA assumed the job of caring for New York City's stray animals from the City government. Since then, the ASPCA has helped millions of unwanted animals find loving homes. -- ASPCA ACTION
top
ASPCA Timeline
1866: ASPCA is founded in New York City and first anticruelty law is passed by the New York State legislature.
1867: The ASPCA operates the first ambulance for injured horses in New York City, two years before Bellevue Hospital put the first ambulance for humans into service.
1920: ASPCA veterinarians advance the use of anesthesia in animal surgery and first use radium to treat cancer in pets.
1928: The ASPCA expands its humane education program with demonstrations in public school rooms and summer playgrounds.
1944: The ASPCA inaugurates obedience training classes for dogs and their owners.
1973: The ASPCA Adoptions department begins a compulsory spay and neuter program for all animals.
1982: The ASPCA begins promoting the adoption of retired greyhounds to help rescue groups across the country.
1996: The ASPCA acquires the National Animal Poison Control Center, the only veterinary toxicology telephone service in the United States operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
2001: The reality TV show Animal Precinct premieres on Animal Planet, taking viewers on patrol with ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents.
2005: The ASPCA Disaster Relief Fund (established after the terrorist attacked of 9/11/01) receives an unprecedented outpouring of support from ASPCA members after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastate the gulf coast. The ASPCA helps rescue thousands of animals and commits millions to rebuild shelters and restore animal control programs throughout the stormravaged region.
top
St. Lawrence Valley SPCA Timeline
1901: The St. Lawrence County SPCA is unofficially begun by a group of like minded animal lovers. Stray and unwanted animals are cared for in their homes.
1910: The St. Lawrence County SPCA is incorporated on May 10.
1960: After a series of temporary and make shift shelters, the St. Lawrence County SPCA, relocates at 6718 SH 68, Ogdensburg, NY 13669. The building was originally a commercial garage built in the 1920's and is modified as an animal shelter.
1977: An addition is built to the existing shelter. It contains 20 dog kennels and 5 colony cages for cats as well as a lobby and kitchen and bathroom area.
2003: A new addition is built onto the rear of the Shelter and contains 5 colony cages for cats, 9 dog kennels, a Vet Tech room and utility and storage rooms. Outside exercise pens are built for the use of DCO dogs and new exercise area is constructed for the 20 Dog Run area. The original 1920's building is demolished.
2005: The St. Lawrence County SPCA changes it's name to the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA. There is public misperception that the organization is affiliated with St. Lawrence County and receives funding from them. The name change hopes to clarify the organization's autonomy and it's status as a nonprofit charity registered with the New York State Department of State.
top
Puppy Mills: What You Should Know Before Buying A Puppy at a Pet Store
Many potential pet owners have been drawn to the adorable puppy faces at their local pet stores, only to end up making an impulsive purchase. Unfortunately, that adorable puppy may very well have been bred in a substandard breeding operation known as a "Puppy Mill." Inherently cruel, these breeding facilities are often overcrowded and unsanitary. Many times puppies who are purchased in pet stores have unreported ailments and hereditary conditions that may result in death. If you are looking to add a puppy to your family, please consider contacting your local Shelter first.
ASPCA Advocacy Center 212812006
top
Fur Facts That You Should Know...
Most cats have four kinds of hair on their bodies. These include three types of true fur, called the down, awn and guard hair. The fourth type is called the vibrissaewhiskers.
The down fur is closest to your cat's skin. It is very short and fine and is the layer that keeps your cat warm. The awn hairs form the middle layer of fur and are bristly with a slight swelling at the tip. The guard hair is the topcoat. Being longer and thicker than the other two, the guard hair protects the inner layers against wet and cold weather.
The texture and amount of fur depends on the type of breed. Some longhaired cats sport guard fur up to five inches long. Shorthaired breeds may have guard hair of only two inches or so. The Cornish Rex has only down fur and curly whiskers.
Grooming is a big part of your cat's daily regiment (besides sleeping 16 hours a day and eating). It's time to be concerned when your cat stops grooming herself. Failure to groom usually goes hand in hand with other signs of illness, such as not eating, hiding and appearing lethargic. At any sign of grooming problems or fur changes have your Veterinarian examine your cat for illness or abnormalities.
top
Traveling With Your Pets
More than 15 million Americans travel with a pet on a trip away from home each year according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Many hotels and motels not only allow pets as overnight guests but offer elaborate programs, which may include food bowls, toys, special menus and information on local attractions. Visit www.petswelcom.com for detailed listings of hotel chains, vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts, for example, that allow pets.
What to Bring. . . . . Traveling with pets is not much different from traveling with children. Here are some musthaves for those who treasure days off:
Uptodate info on vaccinations
Vet contact info.
Firstaid kit with any prescription medications, gauze, bandages, tape, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, etc.
Anti-flea and tick products
Dishes, food, bottled water and treats.
Favorite toys, blanket and bedding.
Crate or carrier
Lint brush or furniture covers.
Photo of your pet and you together (just in case he gets lost)
Information on hotels, restaurants and attractions from AAA and www.dogfriendly.com.
Despite the best laid plans some dogs do not travel well end may be happier not accompanying you on your next trip. IF so contact the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA about boarding him with us while you ire away.
top
Before surrendering an animal, please call the Shelter during regular working hours to make arrangements to bring it in. We make every effort to take in an animals as soon as possible, however, sometimes space isn't available and you will be asked to be on a waiting list. Please work with us. If you have a stray dog you must call the Dog Control Officer in your town. Wayne Ashley is the Dog Control Officer for the City of Ogdensburg and his number is 3931555. All other towns must call their Supervisor or Clerk for the correct information. They are listed in the Transwestern and Verizon Superpages Directories in the Blue Pages.
THANK YOU!
top
|
