I found the RSPCA description interesting in that the society intended not only to promote the well-being of animals, but to also promote social improvement. “the connection between cruelty to animals and general resistance to social discipline could not have seemed clearer.”[1] Ritvo’s account paints the RSPCA as associating animal pain with ills of society –often a product of an “abuser [who] was a rough member of the urban proletariat.”[2] The organization was able to “redefine the social location of concern for animals”[3] in order to make its goals more easily attainable. “This genre of kindness to animals was a code for full and responsible acceptance of the obligations of society.” [4]It made defending animals fashionable and an obligation for anyone of good moral standing.
[5] RSPCA today, international influence.
Today, this the SPCA does not focus as much on human improvement (in some states they are allowed to enforce laws), but instead on providing resources for animals in need such as vaccines, rescue help after natural disasters and pet shelters. Now there is less social pressure on animal owners and “private citizens to implement the law”[6] to be considered an educated and socially acceptable member of society as Ritvo describes in the Victorian Era. The RSPCA’s Annual Report[7] described cases in which the society had found and prosecuted animal abuse in order that people would “perceive themselves as embattled participants in the struggle – even as potential victims – rather than just benevolent onlookers.”[8] The RSPCA hoped to “rouse the public conscience”[9] to persuade its readers to act against animal cruelty.
I believe that the social accountability the SPCA promoted in the Victorian Era should be used today to urge people to act against continued animal cruelty. Agreed, the Annual Report did appear somewhat propaganda-like with its dramatic tales of abuse towards “poor animals,”[10] but its means were effective in engaging people to act upon their new-found knowledge of cruelty towards animals. Today, when it comes to animals, people are more concerned with using their pets as accessories instead of worrying about where food and products such as mascara come from.
[11]Animal Testing
[5] RSPCA today, international influence.Today, this the SPCA does not focus as much on human improvement (in some states they are allowed to enforce laws), but instead on providing resources for animals in need such as vaccines, rescue help after natural disasters and pet shelters. Now there is less social pressure on animal owners and “private citizens to implement the law”[6] to be considered an educated and socially acceptable member of society as Ritvo describes in the Victorian Era. The RSPCA’s Annual Report[7] described cases in which the society had found and prosecuted animal abuse in order that people would “perceive themselves as embattled participants in the struggle – even as potential victims – rather than just benevolent onlookers.”[8] The RSPCA hoped to “rouse the public conscience”[9] to persuade its readers to act against animal cruelty.
I believe that the social accountability the SPCA promoted in the Victorian Era should be used today to urge people to act against continued animal cruelty. Agreed, the Annual Report did appear somewhat propaganda-like with its dramatic tales of abuse towards “poor animals,”[10] but its means were effective in engaging people to act upon their new-found knowledge of cruelty towards animals. Today, when it comes to animals, people are more concerned with using their pets as accessories instead of worrying about where food and products such as mascara come from.
[11]Animal Testing I speak the truth, I am guilty myself. There are even “pet celebrity sites” such as lepaws.com, clearly depicting the relatively low sense of compassion for animals in our world today. The owner’s might enjoy the attention and money, but the animals surely do not enjoy practicing over and over again for scenes which are shot over and over again.
[12] Celebrity Dog Photo
On a side note…
The SPCA’s purposes appeared to be founded on an almost religious theme as Ritvo states that the society promoted the “salvation of human souls” and “maintenance of social order”[13] and that people should “actively suppress vicious practices.”[14] It encouraged people to “take the road less traveled” and to “be a good Samaritan.” and help the lowly when no one else would. Any other thoughts??
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Samaritan.jpg)Good Samaritan Photo
[12] Celebrity Dog PhotoOn a side note…
The SPCA’s purposes appeared to be founded on an almost religious theme as Ritvo states that the society promoted the “salvation of human souls” and “maintenance of social order”[13] and that people should “actively suppress vicious practices.”[14] It encouraged people to “take the road less traveled” and to “be a good Samaritan.” and help the lowly when no one else would. Any other thoughts??
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Samaritan.jpg)Good Samaritan Photo
[1] Harriet Ritvo, The Animal Estate (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1987), 153.
[2] Ritvo, 138.
[3] Ritvo, 129.
[4] Ritvo, 132.
[5] http://members.iinet.net.au/~asrspca/RSPCA_logo.gif
[6] Ritvo, 145.
[7] Ritvo, 136.
[8] Ritvo, 141.
[9] Ritvo, 161.
[10] Ritvo, 143.
[11] http://www.uncaged.co.uk/pgtests.htm
[12] http://www.lepawsagency.com/html/ourTalent.asp?size=small#
[13] Ritvo, 132.
[14] Ritvo, 144.
[2] Ritvo, 138.
[3] Ritvo, 129.
[4] Ritvo, 132.
[5] http://members.iinet.net.au/~asrspca/RSPCA_logo.gif
[6] Ritvo, 145.
[7] Ritvo, 136.
[8] Ritvo, 141.
[9] Ritvo, 161.
[10] Ritvo, 143.
[11] http://www.uncaged.co.uk/pgtests.htm
[12] http://www.lepawsagency.com/html/ourTalent.asp?size=small#
[13] Ritvo, 132.
[14] Ritvo, 144.
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