WE ARE THEIR VOICE.

The first annual

ASPCA

CLIENT
DOG WALK
August 8, 2015

Megan Neely
mneely@purdue.edu

Megan Neely
mneely@purdue.edu

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pg. 1: Title Page
The First Annual CLIENT DOG WALK 2015

Pg. 2: Table of Contents

Pg. 3: News Release:
ASPCA PRESIDENT ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT
UPCOMING EVENT FOR REBUILDING ORGANIZATION

Pg. 4: Did you know...

10 Facts about the ASPCA

Pg. 5: Feature Story:

Hundreds of Dogs Rescued in southeastern United States:
Two years later, where are they now?

Pg. 6: Back page

WE ARE THEIR VOICE.

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2

Megan Neely
mneely@purdue.edu

Outlets: The New York Times, The New Yorker, Pets Alive Blog
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASPCA PRESIDENT ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT UPCOMING EVENT FOR
REBUILDING ORGANIZATION
NEW YORK CITY, July 14, 2015Matthew Bershadker, current ASPCA president, released a
statement regarding the most recent challenges within the organization. He revealed details about
the ASPCAs upcoming event, the first annual CLIENT DOG WALK.
Current adversity within the organization has left the ASPCA on rocky grounds. With recent
information being leaked to the media regarding internal conflict, the ASPCA is taking progressive
steps. In hopes of uniting the organization together, the first annual CLIENT DOG WALK will take
place on 92nd street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 8, 2015.
With the set backs our organization has experienced recently, we still plan to stay true to our
missions and values of preventing cruelty to animals. We will continue to strive for unity in our
board. With this, our upcoming event will bring our organization and partners together in
remembering our ultimate goal, said President Bershadker.
According to details shared by Bershadker, in partnership with IAMS, Pedigree Petfoods and Purina
ONE, the executive leaders of the organization will host the event. By uniting the board together, as
well as all sponsors, volunteers and supporters, the ASPCA can give back to those that have given
back to them in the most recent years. The event has intentions of remembering the true purpose of
the organization, which is protecting the lives of animals.
As ASPCA representatives, partners and their dogs parade down 92nd street, sponsors will hand out
complementary products like food and toys for all who is involved. The event will be in celebration of
the shared passion for loving and keeping animals safe. For more information regarding the CLIENT
DOG WALK, go to www.aspca.org/CDW2015registration
The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty in Animals (ASPCA) is an independent, nonprofit
organization founded in New York City in 1866. Founder, Henry Bergh, created a mission of
preventing cruelty to animals all over the country. Consisting of four sectors, the Anti Cruelty Group,
Animal Health services, Community Outreach and Government Relations, the ASPCA hopes to
have wide span coverage for keeping animals safe.

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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the
ASPCA, is an independent, non-profit organization that was founded by
Henry Bergh in New York City in 1866, and has been saving the lives of animals ever since.
The ASPCAs mission consists of the goal of preventing all cruelty to animals. The
organization conducts investigative cases in pressing charges against those who commit
cruelty, as well as finding happy homes for animals all over the country. The ASPCA has
created four sectors of their organization that provides various actions: Anti Cruelty Group,
Animal Health services, Community Outreach and Government Relations.

DID YOU KNOW

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Megan Neely
mneely@purdue.edu

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4

Hundreds of Dogs Rescued in southeastern United

States: Two years later, where are they now?

In August of 2013, almost two years ago from today, 367 pit bulls were rescued from a dogfighting ring in Austin, Texas, making for one of the largest busts in American history. Over a dozen
people were charged for animal cruelty across southeastern United States in places such as
Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama and Texas. As the ASPCA, along with others, stepped in to save
these dogs, the investigation showed the intensive and expensive process of the illegal dog-fighting
world and what it takes to bring it down. Today, thousands of other dogs still endure the same
torture because of the horrible dog-fighters, but thanks to the ASPCA, this number has drastically
decreased.
What happened to those 367 pit bulls rescued during that time? Where are these dogs now?
The ASPCA continues to work hard in conducting investigations to prevent cruelty towards
animals, and this situation is one of many where their hard work paid off. After animal cruelty, dogfighting, and gambling charges were held against those responsible for assembling the torture in
these dog-fighting rings; all were given a minimum of five years in prison. Of all the states involved,
121 dogs were taken to human society shelters in the state of Mississippi, 46 taken to Georgia, 58
taken to Alabama, and 142 taken to Texas, immediately following the bust.
As the two-year anniversary approaches since their rescue, 343 of the 367 dogs have been
given homes. One of which was a one-year-old male pit bull named Axel. Axel was found in Texas,
along with 114 other dogs, chained tightly to a tire, without food or water, and clearly traumatized
by the experience. Axel was barley 25 pounds when he was found, making ASPCA officials
seriously concerned for his health. After being rescued and taken to the closest humane society,
Axel is still around today to reflect his strength after his experience.
Our staff fell in love with the courage of this young pit bull and were sad, but more than
happy to see him move on to a brighter future, said representative from the ASPCA shelter in
Texas, Tim Rickey.
Now, at three years old, Axel is living with a family of four, two adults and two younger
children, in the suburbs outside of Houston. Axels owners bring him to the ASPCA shelter once a
week to show thanks for providing Axel with the opportunity to live a happy life.
We could not be more thankful that Axel was given a second chance at life, said owner
Samantha Bridges. Its hard to believe that such evil exists in our world.
Although dog fighting is a felony in the United States, this crime is still not over for good.
The 367 dogs rescued two years ago were apart of the million that the ASPCA works to save every
year. This organization continues to try its best in preventing cruelty to animals and pressing
charges against those who commit that cruelty. Stories like Axels can be retold over and over as
the ASPCA continues to fight for their lives, because every dog needs a second chance.

Megan Neely
mneely@purdue.edu

Three-year-old male
pit bull, Axel, smiles
for the camera after
his two-year
anniversary since
being rescued from a
dog-fighting ring.

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WE ARE THEIR VOICE.

ASPCA New York City

424 E. 92nd St
New York, NY 10128-6804
(212) 876-7700
Megan Neely
mneely@purdue.edu