Henry Bergh (August 29, 1813 – March 12, 1888)
On April 10, 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in New York City by philanthropist and diplomat Henry Bergh, 54 (above).
In 1863, Bergh had been appointed by President Abraham
Lincoln to a diplomatic post at the Russian court of Czar
Alexander II. It was there that he was horrified to witness
work horses beaten by their peasant drivers. En route back
to America, a June 1865 visit to the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in London awakened his
determination to secure a charter not only to incorporate
the ASPCA but to exercise the power to arrest and prosecute
violators of the law.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®
works to save animals from dogfighting, puppy mills, hoarding
and other cruelty situations. We provide animals medical care
and behavioral rehabilitation, and help thousands of animals
find loving homes every year. We respond to emergencies when
disaster strikes, and fight for stronger laws to protect animals.
When you become an ASPCA Guardian, your regular monthly
gift allows us to spend less time fundraising—and more time
saving lives.
Every gift saves lives. Please make a one time gift if you are not
able to make a monthly commitment.
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