Barking at the Knot

Understanding the hidden history of animal services

Sarah Edwards and The Midnight Band of Mercy

In 1893, a group of well meaning cat ladies set upon Manhattan, chloroforming thousands of stray cats to death. This is the story of Sarah Edwards and the Midnight Bands of Mercy.

Audrey Lodato

November 5, 2025

1890s, 1900s, Animal Welfare

animal control, Animal Welfare, animals, Bands of Mercy, Cats, dogs, George Angell, history, Humane Movement, Kittens, Manhattan, Midnight Band of Mercy, Midnight Bands of MErcy, New York City, print media, Rabies, Sarah Edwards, Stray cats, strays
A Shelter for Animals – The First Annual Report

Five months after the opening of the Shelter for Animals in Brooklyn, the ASPCA issued their thirtieth annual report. It contained some of the first ever intake and outcome data for shelters.

Audrey Lodato

October 7, 2025

1890s, Animal Welfare

1895, 1896, animal shelters, Animal Welfare, animal-rescue, animals, Annual Report, ASPCA, Brooklyn, Cats, dogs, history, Humane Movement, hydrophobia, Killing of pets, Manhattan, New York City, pets, Rabies, Victorian america, Victorian New York