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Barking at the Knot

Barking at the Knot

Understanding the hidden history of animal services

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  • The Way We Saw Cats in 1880: Articles from the Papers

    In 1880 Cats were simultaneously beloved family companions, working animals used for pest control, and in some cases subjected to disturbing and inexplicable cruelty. Explore articles from the newspapers of 1880 that depict all of the above.

    Audrey Lodato

    May 12, 2026
    Animal Welfare
    animal control, Animal Welfare, Animalcontrol, animals, Animalservices, Animalsheltering, Animalwelfare, Animalwelfarehistory, Cats, Catsinhistory, dogs, Feralcats, Henry Bergh, history, HumaneMovement, Kindnesstoanimals, newspapers, Peopleandpets, pets, Pounds, Shelters, Societalcontext, Veterinaryhistory, Victoriancats
  • Pussy Must Be Tagged; The S.P.C.A. Now Collects Dog Licenses

    In 1895 as part of the transition to a public-private partnership to take on animal control, the ASPCA began enforcing the new dog licensing laws in New York City. Understanding why it happened is crucial to understanding why we still do it.

    Audrey Lodato

    September 18, 2025
    1890s, Animal Welfare
    ACOs, animal control, animal control officers, animal services, Animal sheltering, animal shelters, Animal Welfare, animal welfare history, animals, Cats, dog, Dog licenses, dog pounds, dogs, history, hydrophobia, licenses, new york, New York City, pets, Pounds, Rabies, Stray dogs, strays, the humane movement
  • A Shelter for Animals

    In 1895, the ASPCA had taken over animal control for the city of New York. This cemented a path for a more humane model of public – private partnership. Tour their shelter via a New York Times article.

    Audrey Lodato

    September 17, 2025
    1890s, Animal Welfare
    #HenryBergh #ASPCAHistory #AmericanHumane #19thCenturyActivism #VictorianEra #AnimalWelfarePioneers #HumaneMovement, animal control, animal shelter history, animal shelters, Animal Welfare, animal welfare history, animals, ASPCA, Brooklyn, Cats, dog, dogs, Henry Bergh, history, hydrophobia, john p haines, New York City, pets, pound, Pounds, Rabies, stray dog, strays

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