The Importance Of Animal Cruelty

“Mercy to animals means mercy to mankind” are Henry Bergh’s remarkable words. Bergh was a leader when he stepped up and took charge of the animal cruelty. Bergh died knowing that animals and children would get the help and care they deserved, which shows how much he really cared. It also shows that Bergh has a legacy that lives within the lives of many to this day. Bergh had many allies who helped his on his incredible journey, and some people who gave him obstacles along the way. There have also been many stories about Bergh rescuing animals and children from abusive situations that explain his relationship with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Life times later, organizations can be found all around …show more content…
Both animals and children were Bergh’s priorities. Bergh felt self-conscious by the people who came up to him and accused him of caring for animals and only animals (National Museum of Animals and Society). After hearing about Mary Ellen had been through, Bergh made sure that children had their own organization to take care of them. The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) was established in 1874. Not only did Henry help animals, but he also helped children. Another organization called the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC) was created by Bergh in 1884 to give abused children the safety and help they needed. The ASPCA was established April 10, 1866. Bergh was the President, and it only took nine days for the anti-cruelty law to pass. Not to mention, he was 50 years old at this time. Soon after that, the SPCA was founded in 1866 (National Museum of Animals and Society). Within a couple years, millions upon millions of animals were provided with the care they needed. The SPCA also installed public drinking fountains for horses for the first time. Bergh was on the board of the Audubon Society for the protection of wild birds, proving he was in favor of preventing cruelty to a variety of species of animals. The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was formed in 1879. In 1910, many other organizations and …show more content…
There have been statues based on Bergh for his great achievements and efforts. For example, WHS is very proud to have the only known statue of ‘Henry Bergh and his faithful companion’ just outside the entrance of their facility (WHS.com). Another monument in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has a horse on the top (that has been replaced over the years). The horse monument was originally a water fountain made in 1897, that became a planter later on (Dave Pelland). Bergh’s first objective with the ASPCA was to help abused horses and livestock in and around New York. Patently, this is the reason why a horse was the honorary symbol out of all the possible animals. On one side of the statue there is an engraving of Bergh helping protect a fallen horse that had been neglected by its owner. Organizations like the Wisconsin Humane Society, can’t express how much they really appreciate how much Bergh has done for animals and children. “The spirit of Henry Bergh lives on in the work of the Wisconsin Humane Society today” - WHS. This organization, along with many others, advocate the prevention of both animal and child abuse. For animals especially, these societies provide their animals with the loving care they deserve. As well as, helping animals who are injured get nursed back to health, preventing cruelty to those animals, encouraging humane principles, and reduce the fear, pain, and suffering these animals have.