ASPCA Gets Four Stars from Charity Navigator

That is a good rating; however, if you click on the comments tab, you'll see a spirited debate about the executive compensations.

Oh, well. I'm still a member.

April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month

Here's a web page on the ASPCA's site with some activities. They are also doing the talk shows.

ASPCA Groups Galore

This site is overwhelming. It's all the ASPCA Online communities you can join. Yikes, there's a ton!

Detecting Animal Cruelty

Per the ASPCA's cruelty FAQ, here are some signs.

Animal cruelty occurs when someone intentionally injures or harms an animal or when a person willfully deprives an animal of food, water or necessary medical care. Here are some signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:

* Tick or flea infestations
* Wounds on the body
* Patches of missing hair
* Extremely thin, starving animal
* Limping
* An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
* Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and often chained in a yard
* Dogs who have been hit by cars—or are showing any of the signs listed here—and have not been taken to a veterinarian
* Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions
* Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners

ASPCA To Break Ground on New Anti-Cruelty Insitute

Here's something to look forward to in 2008...and it's about time!

The ASPCA will break ground on the nation's first Anti-Cruelty Institute in New York in 2008. This institute will be dedicated to educating veterinarians and law enforcement officials with specialized training necessary to recognize and respond to animal cruelty. The facility, scheduled to open in 2010, will include a forensic laboratory and veterinary hospital, a treatment center for animals that are victims of cruelty, as well as educational training and other programs.

“The ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty Institute will allow us to set even higher standards in the recognition, prevention and fight against animal cruelty the commitment on which our organization was founded,” said Sayres. “The Institute will bring together the best and brightest animal welfare respondents from around the world, in an environment where they can most benefit from the ASPCA's unique breadth and depth of animal welfare/anti-cruelty expertise. The Institute will truly help us take the fight against animal cruelty to a new level.”

Photo by Triborough.