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Shelters
independent of national organizations
December 13, 2007
Many people can't recall the call letters of their favorite radio or
television station. They just know it's what they always listen to or
watch. The same can often be said for animal-welfare organizations.
There are humane societies, municipal shelters, SPCAs, and, even the
dreaded and outdated moniker "the pound." Many people imagine that each
one is either connected, or essentially the same thing.
Interestingly, the term dog pound is believed to be rooted in the
15th-century Middle English word "pownde" or "pounde," which referred to
an enclosure that contained stray or trespassing cattle. We've certainly
evolved and today animal-welfare organizations represent a wide spectrum
of services, roles and approaches, all with the same goal of guiding a
more ethical and humane treatment of animals.
It's often confusing when an organization is identified as an SPCA,
which is an acronym for Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals. Many people imagine that SPCA's are local chapters with the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA),
serving as the parent group. However there is no parent SPCA; each SPCA
operates independently as a private nonprofits. Similarly, the Humane
Society of the United States is not a parent organization of other
humane societies, but due to their nationwide membership base, like the
ASPCA, they are often one of the most recognizable names.
Whether a humane society or an SPCA, each organization operates
independently of the other. Some are bigger than others, and some serve
a particular city, while others may serve an entire county or parish.
Some focus solely on animal sheltering and animal adoptions. Others
focus on legislative or advocacy work or cruelty investigations, while
some provide all of these services.
None however, are state or city government entities. That role is
reserved only for municipal shelters, which are an arm of a city
government, like the public works department, for example, and do not
operate from an animal welfare foundation as their primary focus. As a
result, you'll often see less progressive practices and industry
knowledge in municipal, government-run shelters.
The best way to learn about your local humane society or SPCA is by
being a part of it. You can volunteer to socialize animals or you can
help short-staffed nonprofits with events and other needs. If you are
considering adopting an animal, consider an animal shelter versus a
breeder or pet store. Many people are continually surprised at the wide
variety of companion animals waiting for homes at animal shelters.
Many organizations, like the Louisiana SPCA also offer opportunities
for you to provide foster care for special need cases. Local animal
welfare organizations, directly impact the communities they serve
and survive with help and contributions from local communities.
- Gloria
Dauphin
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