ASPCA - People Who Care
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), founded in 1866 as the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere, was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and continue to confront today. Whether it's saving a pet who's been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources with shelters across the country, the ASPCA works toward the day in which no animal will live in pain or fear.
Because of programs that continue to educate society on providing happy endings for all creatures, the ASPCA has made a forceful impact on saving animals from a torment and cruelty.
One of these programs, called ASPCA Mission: Orange, is a focused effort to create a country of humane communities, one community at a time, where animals receive the compassion and respect they deserve - a nation where there's no more unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable animals simply because of lack of resources and awareness. Ed Sayres, ASPCA President & CEO, says, "With the collaboration of community and animal welfare leaders in "target communities" across the country, it is our hope that we will begin to effect immediate, measurable and sustainable change for animals in these communities, especially for those animals most at risk: the shelter population." The target communities consist of: Spokane, WA; Austin, TX; Philadelphia, PA; Tampa, FL; Gulfport-Biloxi, MS; Charleston, SC; and New York, NY.
Another ASPCA program is the Equine Program - horses have played an indispensable role in human history, yet these sentient, sensitive animals have suffered untold abuse and neglect in work, war, and so-called entertainment. It was the sight of a carthorse brutally beaten by his driver that spurred Henry Bergh to found the ASPCA, and horse protection is still an important focus of their work. Today, the ASPCA works to protect and aid horses through legislation, advocacy, education, targeted grants, and enforcement of the carriage horse and cruelty laws in New York City.
It is because of programs like these that the ASPCA has successfully achieved animal protection rights, placed rescued companion animals in loving homes and given animals an empowered voice.
Celebrities have played a major role in raising awareness for animal rights and lobbying for humane laws. Some of our favorite celebrities who have voiced their support for the ASPCA are: Prince, Drew Barrymore, Sarah McLachlan, Pink, Carrie Underwood, Adam Sandler, Ellen DeGeneres, Sandra Bullock, Mariah Carey, Alicia Silverstone, Tim McGraw, Martha Stewart and Christina Ricci.
Is it just me or can my animals truly express my feelings better than I can with that look? Pet lovers the world over must feel the same way and these ASPCA eCards are a great way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones while supporting ASPCA programming at the same time.
