Congress Wishes ASPCA Happy 135th Birthday

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Sunday, 8 April 2001

The ASPCA was founded by New York humanitarian Henry Bergh on April 10, 1866.

The U.S. Senate, on April 6th, 2001 unanimously passed S. Res. 70 recognizing The ASPCA on its 135th anniversary.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) who introduced the Resolution , says that "The success of the organization has made the term ASPCA synonymous with animal rescue, animal shelter, animal adoptions and humane education." Senator Durbin's home state of Illinois is home to the nation's only animal poison control center which is operated by The ASPCA. The animal poison control center receives 180,000 emergency calls a year and provides life saving advice to pet owners in times of crisis. The 23 staff veterinarians manage 60,000 cases a year ranging from anti-freeze poisoning to pesticide exposure.

The ASPCA, founded by philanthropist and diplomat Henry Bergh, is the nation's oldest animal protection organization and has a solid reputation for being a tireless advocate for animals. Growing from a small organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in New York City, especially farm and work animals, The ASPCA now runs a vast variety of programs to help animals nationwide. Programs include humane education in elementary and secondary schools; animal cruelty law enforcement in New York State; and legislative efforts at the federal, state, and local levels to secure laws that better protect animals. At its headquarters in New York City, the ASPCA also operates a full-service veterinary hospital and adoption program.

Dr. Larry Hawk, President and CEO of the ASPCA says "We feel very fortunate to have Senator Durbin on our side. His constant advocacy is truly saving animal lives every day. For that, we thank him."

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org