Animal Cruelty

One of the saddest things about animal cruelty is that it is the only way of life many of its victims will ever know. It pains us to think about the animals whose limited interactions with humans are comprised of fear, suffering or sadness. That is why we work so hard to save them, and why finding loving adopters for victims of abuse is one of our top priorities. In the case of a pit bull named Harvey, finding the perfect home meant not only ending years of cruelty, but also providing the opportunity to prove that humans are capable of love, compassion and kindness as well.

Many of you have heard about our record-breaking rescue in North Carolina last week, where nearly 700 animals were saved from severe neglect. Over 100 ASPCA responders removed more than 340 dogs and 280 cats—as well as horses, pigs and birds—from the sprawling, dilapidated property, a self-described “animal sanctuary” in Raeford. It was a heartbreaking scene, but thankfully, these animals are now receiving much-needed attention and care in a secure ASPCA-run facility.

Not all victims of animal cruelty show physical signs of abuse. Some, like nine-year-old cat Lila, carry their scars in their hearts. But despite her years of psychological and emotional trauma, this tough kitty overcame her difficult past and went on to find the safe and loving home of her dreams. Here is Lila’s Happy Tail.