Whats the difference between a Humane Society and a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)?
A. The terms are interchangeable. But every Humane Society or SPCA is autonomous and independent. There are no national umbrella organizations or local chapters. The American SPCA was the nation’s first, but it has no satellite SPCAs. Neither does the Humane Society of the United States or the American Humane Association. Each SPCA or Humane Society has its own board of directors, its own mission, its own philosophy and its own individual programs and services. Q. What is an animal control program and how does it differ from a Humane Society or SPCA? A. An animal control program is a taxpayer-supported service provided by cities or counties for the purpose of providing for the overall community good as it relates to animals. Therefore, the emphasis of animal control is generally on public health and public safety, law enforcement, animal regulation, and licensing. Animal control agencies normally contend with dangerous dogs, pick up strays, arrest and prosecute animal cruelty cases, or
