Mercy ─ The Incredible Story of Henry Bergh, Founder of the ASPCA and Friend to Animals

Only 150 years ago, most animals in America were subject to horrific treatment. They needed a champion to protect them from abject cruelty, and that person was Henry Bergh. After witnessing the beating of a horse in the streets of New York and attending a bullfight in Spain, Bergh found his calling. He became an enforcer of animal rights and founded the ASPCA, as well as created many animal cruelty laws. He even expanded his advocacy to children. When Bergh died in 1888, the idea that children and animals should be protected from cruelty was widely accepted: “Mercy to animals means mercy to mankind.”

Nancy Furstinger has been speaking up for animals since she learned to talk. She is also the author of more than one hundred books, including many on her favorite topic: animals! She shares her home and heart with big dogs and house rabbits (all rescued), and volunteers and fosters pets for several animal organizations. Visit her website at www.nancyfurstinger.com.