The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan cover image

Wasik & Murphy On Animal Welfare

The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan

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From Apathy to Action: One Man's Crusade for Animal Rights

Henry Berg transitioned from a life of detachment to one of activism, catalyzed by witnessing animal suffering during his travels. His disturbing experiences, particularly a bullfight in Spain and a shocking encounter with a horse driver in Russia, prompted him to recognize his potential to effect change. Upon returning to the U.S., he leveraged his influence to gather support from prominent New Yorkers, leading to the passage of an anti-cruelty statute and the formation of the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Despite its initial limited jurisdiction, the ASPCA gained significant enforcement power in New York. Berg's commitment to animal rights pushed him into the public eye, where he engaged directly in interventions and embraced media exposure to amplify the cause, actively arresting those who harmed animals. His journey exemplifies the impact one individual can have in championing animal welfare and mobilizing a movement.

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