The 1860’s in the United States was a time of huge change. The war between the North and South to determine the outcome of slave ownership resulted in a tremendous loss of life. This war dominated the news, however, there was another war going on, the one started by wealthy New Yorker Henry Bergh. This war involved humans and their animals. Bergh was horrified by all the abuse heaped upon helpless, innocent animals. His observations began right in the streets of Manhattan where horses were whipped mercilessly. Horses lived to maybe one year of age and their carcasses were tossed into the river. This opened Bergh’s mind to other instances of abuse: dog fights, rat fights, slaughter houses, circus acts, cock fights, fox hunting, pigeon shooting, dairy animals, and so on. His work created legislation that made anti-cruelty animal laws which carried jail time as well as monetary fines. Bergh’s work also led to animal licensing and the ASPCA being formed. Another interesting fact is that his work to prevent animal cruelty led to legislation for anti-cruelty laws for children and child labor laws. It was his life’s work to protect the innocent. Interestingly enough, Bergh and his wife had no children nor any pets of their own. I was amazed that this all transpired 150 years ago. The United States was a relatively new country and had no means of mass media. However, through the efforts of one single but determined man, millions of animals and children’s lives have been saved or made better. This is truly an inspiring story.