We were the first humane society in North America and are one of the largest in the world today. Our founder, Henry Bergh, started the ASPCA in 1866 to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. You can visit our website at www.aspca.org to find out about all the things we do to help animals. You'll find lots of great ways you can help, too! Many of them are cost-free, so take a look!