Definition of Humane Societies

Humane is characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, esp. for the suffering or distressed.

Society pertains to a group, organizations or association of persons engaged in a common profession, activity, or interest.

So, with that being said Humane Societies pertain to a group or organizations all having the same goal or interest that aim to stop animal suffering due to cruelty or other reasons.

Organizations may have different names, but they are all synonymous in the goal of helping animals.

History

Brief History of How These Groups/Organizations Began

Centuries ago people started to really care about how animals were being treated and started to find ways to make the world more "humane".

It started in the 1800's with two men, Richard Martin and Henry Bergh. They were both concerned citizens who campaigned and worked with a passion and compassion to end cruelty to animals in their countries of Britain and the United States.

In 1824 the first SPCA was founded because of Richard Martin's efforts and is now called the RSPCA Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In 1866 Henry Bergh introduced Americans to the organized protection of animals naming it the ASPCA American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It was the first SPCA formed in the UNITED STATES.

Their beliefs and concerns regarding how all animals should be treated started a wave of concern in communities, which is how societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals began.

Word quickly spread around the nation and just a year after the formation of the ASPCA, a second SPCA was formed in Buffalo, NY, followed by SPCAs in Philadelphia and Boston a year after that. Within just a few years there were SPCAs found everywhere around the country.

Several thousand humane groups in the United States now exist thanks to Bergh’s vision and influence.

What is the Difference between SPCA, ASPCA, HSUS, PETA, etc.....

The difference between HSUS, ASPCA, SPCA, PETA or any animal group/organization is what each group does to help animals live more humane lives.

Different organizations or "groups" focus on different aspects of animal welfare.

• HSUS ~ Is the Nation's largest animal protection organization. They help give animals a voice on a national level.

• PETA ~ People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is an organization that is against cruel treatment of animals. Peta protests the rodeo, fur in fashion shows, KFC, etc. They also raid animal testing labs and go undercover in slaughterhouses. Their trademark catchphrase is "Animals are not ours to eat / wear / experiment on / be entertained by / abuse in any way." Their viewpoints are considered controversial in that they represent such a small portion of the population as a whole, yet they try to influence legislation which affects the entire population.

  ASPCA ~ American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first SPCA formed in the United States. Their headquarters are in New York City.

  SPCA ~ Each state, city and town has their own SPCA whose operations include protecting and providing shelter to animals in danger. The SPCAs are non-profit organizations that campaign for animal welfare and take in abused or abandoned animals, and help them to get adopted.

  List of Humane Societies/Groups/Organizations

  Humane Societies and Animal Shelters in America

  Animal Welfare Groups

  Animal Right Groups

  Animal Rights and Animal Protection Organizations

  Animal Organizations

  Humane Societies, Animal Shelters and Pet Adoption Organizations

  Humane Federation