SPCA and SPCC: Origin and Continuity

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or S.P.C.A., is an organization that works to prevent mistreatment of animals.  It is also involved in the caring of sick animals, as well teaching people to take care of their pets.  Its American counterpart,  the A. S. P.C. A. , was founded in 1866 by Henry Bergh.  Its activities are varied and widely acknowledged.   It establishes hospitals where sick animals are treated,  and in some cases, when owners are poor and unable to care for their pets, the treatment is free of charge.  It also extends its service by helping owners find their lost pets, takes care of animals that are disowned and  have classes where people are tutored the proper and humane methods of animal training.  It extends its function even further in the way of protecting wild animals from hunters and trappers. It also advises farmers on how to care for their livestock, and in some places, even help provide water for dray horses (horses used to pull carts and other vehicles).

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, or S.P.C.C., is an organization involved in the protection of children from neglect and mistreatment.  It was founded in 1875, in New York City, by Elbridge T. Gerry, at a time when children were being beaten and mistreated by their parents. 

The S.P.C.C. takes care of abused and neglected children.  In some instances, when the mistreatment of children is considered to be serious and harmful,  children are taken away from their abusive parents and legally transferred to the care of Court-appointed guardians.  Its services are extended even further, in the area of crimes against children by adults, other than their parents.  In this respect, help is provided in the way of extending medical and mental care for children when parents are unable to do so themselves.