AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, THE, was organized in 1866 and incorporated in New York State. Its charter gives it special prosecuting powers within that jurisdiction. Directly or indirectly, it is the parent of all humane societies in the United States and of many abroad. Its administrative work through its hospital and shelters is chiefly confined to New York city.
The society was founded by Henry Bergh, who, when secretary of the American Legation in Russia, became incensed over the ill treatment of animals on the streets and decided to start an anti cruelty work in America. On his way home he studied the methods of the R.S.P.C.A. in England. There were at that time in America no effective laws for animal protection and no organ ization to enforce such as existed. Bergh spent his remaining 22 years in tireless activity on behalf of animals. After his death the society, with endowments by him and others, was developed administratively and is undoubtedly the wealthiest and strongest body of its kind in the world. A dispensary and hospital was erected in 1912 and doubled in 1927. Animal shelters are main tained in various parts of the city, and offices are kept open at all hours to answer emergency calls.