Henry Bergh and the Formation of the ASPCA:
​​​​​​​The Meddling Man Who Revolutionized Animal Rights

Henry Bergh’s founding of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the subsequent passage of animal welfare laws were revolutionary because they sparked a nationwide reaction that established the novel concept of rights for animals within American society. Bergh challenged accepted norms about animal cruelty, prompting legislative reform and debate over human responsibility for animal treatment that still influences the animal rights movement today.