Barking at the Knot

Understanding the hidden history of animal services

Rebuilding the Union and the Story of Turtle Soup

In post-civil war America, tensions were high and the media was hyper-focused on rebuilding the union. Henry Bergh knew that to get his anti-cruelty law noticed, he’d need to resort to extreme measures. So he resorted to turtles.

Audrey Lodato

August 19, 2025

1860s, Animal Welfare

american history, animal control, Animal Welfare, animals, ASPCA, Civil war, dogs, Henry Bergh, history, Impeachment, new york times, pets, politics, president Johnson, Radical republicans, Social media, societal change, societal expectations, the humane movement, The union, turtle soup, turtles