Professional Knowledge and Abilities

Professional Knowledge and Abilities

University of Phoenix

GEN 200

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Their mission is to provide effective means for prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA maintains a strong local presence. They have programs that extend an anti-cruelty mission across the country (ASPCA, 2010).

As the first humane organization that was given legal authority to investigate and make arrests for misdeeds against animals, they are completely dedicated to fulfilling the ASPCA mission through non-violence. This organization provides local and national leadership in three key areas: caring for the parents of pets, making sure that at risk animals has positive outcomes, and the serving of abused animals (ASPCA, 2010).

Incorporated in 1866, the ASPCA has a history rich in challenges and victories. They provide care and protection for the city’s working horses and transforming dog pounds into professionally run adoptions facilities (ASPCA, 2010).

Henry Bergh was born in 1813, the son of a prominent shipbuilder. In 1863 he was appointed to a diplomatic post at the Russia court of Czar Alexander II. It was here that he first took action against inhumanity toward animals. On his way to America Bergh stopped to talk to the president of England’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to obtain notes (ASPCA, 2010).

In the early days of the ASPCA, they collected as many as 300 strays daily. The public was so happy with the ASPCA’s performance that there was a shelter established in Brooklyn followed by one built in Staten Island (ASPCA, 2010).

The ASPCA also takes the time out to learn skills of leadership and planning. Long range needs and goals of the organization may take a back seat to the immediate needs of the people...