Many animals are in danger of becoming extinct.
Some charitable foundations for animals focus on saving individual animals that are threatened by abuse or neglect. They may investigate cases of animal cruelty and in certain circumstances, even enforce animal cruelty laws. Other foundations place an emphasis on global concerns, such as preventing the extinction or endangerment of animal species. They may do this by campaigning to raise public awareness and to lobby governments to preserve natural habitats. Three examples of charitable foundations are the ASPCA, the Humane Society and Born Free USA.
ASPCA
The ASPCA, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was founded in 1866 and has its main headquarters in New York City. The ASPCA's mission is to rescue abused and neglected animals. The ASPCA is unique among charitable foundations for its legal authority to arrest those who abuse animals and commit other animal-related crimes. The ASPCA operates throughout the United States. In addition to working toward the prevention of animal abuse, the organization also provides help for pet owners. They offer neutering and spaying clinics, adoption clinics and pet-loss grief support, as well as advice on pet training and behavior.
The Humane Society
The Humane Society was founded in 1954. The society acts against cruelty to animals via their rescue facilities and mobile vet clinics. However, they are not just a rescue organization. The society also lobbies for social change through public policy. They advocate for animal-protection laws and seek to raise public awareness about issues like dog-fighting and puppy mills. The Humane Society concerns itself with wildlife as well as domesticated animals. They establish wildlife rehabilitation facilities and advocate for wildlife habitat protection. About 11 million Americans support this organization with donations, according to the Humane Society's website (humanesociety.org).
Born Free USA
Born Free USA is a companion organization to the Born Free Foundation. Inspired by the film "Born Free," the stars of the movie founded the organization. (The 1966 film tells the story of an orphaned lion cub who is adopted by a British couple who maintain a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya.) Born Free USA campaigns for the protection of wildlife and the prevention of animal abuse in industries such as the circus and other entertainment shows as well as in the fashion industry (for example, fur farms). They advocate against animal testing in laboratories. Born Free USA strives to raise awareness about global issues, such as natural habitat conservation and endangered species. They also rescue abused animals and sponsor a sanctuary for primates in Dilley, Texas.
Tags: Born Free, Humane Society, animal abuse, animal cruelty, awareness about, charitable foundations