SPCA

An SPCA is an organization dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals (see: Animal cruelty). The oldest SPCA in the world is Britain's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, founded in 1824. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded in New York in 1866. The ASPCA has played an integral role in the humane treatment of animals in New York since that time. Other SPCAs or Humane Societies exist throughout the US. There is no national body named SPCA in the US akin to the RSPCA [1].

## Contents

* 1 Statutory roles
* 2 Animal shelters
* 3 Advocacy
* 4 See also
* 5 External links

## Statutory roles[edit]

In many jurisdictions the local SPCA/Humane Society has a statutory role in the inspection of facilities containing animals Humane Law EnforcementRSPCA Animal Inspectors.

## Animal shelters[edit]

SPCAs often operate animal shelters. Stray or disowned animals are looked after prior to finding a new home. In some instances animals may be put down or destroyed if they can not be found a home. This is often controversial and has lead to many SPCAs adopting a policy of no euthanasia; such as the Texas SPCA [2].

## Advocacy[edit]

SPCAs have a history of advocating animal rights since the 19th century. In previous times animals were treated with extreme cruelty and neglect. The institutional role of an SPCA is sometimes at odds with the more activist nature of other Human Societies.

## See also[edit]

* USA states: Religion/irreligion and percentage of dog owners
* Judaism and dogs
* Atheists and dog meat eating
* Communist China and cat meat eating

## External links[edit]

* RSPCA England/Wales
* RSPCA Australia
* ASPCA (New York)
* Humane Society (US)