Animal Cruelty

Chicken Scratch is an ASPCA Blog feature that highlights interesting news about farm animals and farm animal welfare.

We know that you care about animals and want to protect them from cruelty and exploitation, but that it can be hard to know where to begin. And in this hectic world where so many of us have precious little free time, is it even possible to make a real impact in just minutes? We say “yes, it is,” and we’d love to show you how.

When an animal is rescued from cruelty, the road to recovery is not always easy. A dog or cat exposed to abuse wouldn’t be blamed for wanting to shut down and avoid the world, but more often than not, the animals we meet prove to have an unrivaled resilience—a strength and spirit that shines through despite the darkness of their past. We are inspired by these animals every day, and we are so proud to share their stories. Here is the Happy Tail of one such animal, a Pit Bull named Stella.

In a letter to the editor published today in The Star Ledger, ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker urges New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to take action on a pending pet purchasing bill.

The ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Madison, New Jersey, is the first and only facility dedicated to providing behavioral rehabilitation for fearful, undersocialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations. In our regular “Pup and Circumstance” feature, we introduce the Rehab Center’s latest graduates in hopes of finding each one the loving forever home they deserve.