The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was started in England in 1824. At that time, horses, which were commonly used to pull carriages, cabs and freight wagons, were routinely mistreated and abused. They were forced to work with little or no food, water or rest. They were often beaten when they became too exhausted to work.

Over the years, the SPCA has worked to raise awareness of cruelty and mistreatment in all forms of all animals. They do this by educating the public through articles in any and all public forums. They sponsor programs in schools. They actively seek volunteers not only to assist in the shelters but in the foster programs and many other venues. Volunteers also help to spread the word about the society, their work and their mission to help animals.

One of their biggest goals is to eradicate the need of euthanasia in controlling the pet population of dogs and cats. Although their efforts to educate the public about the spay/neuter program has seen some positive results, there remains an enormous need for the public to become more responsible in making certain that their pets are spayed or neutered.

There are many ways for one to help the SPCA. They always need volunteers at the shelters to help with the animals, to assist in maintaining the shelters and to help with fundraising.

There is a great deal of satisfaction to be derived from knowing that you have helped to make the lives of animals, large or small, that much better.