The definition of “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” has not changed in more than 200 years NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana–– The term “SPCA,” since the 1824 formation of the London SPCA, renamed the Royal SPCA in 1840, has meant “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.” But perhaps changing times have changed […]
Phil Snyder, 88, spent 50 years in humane work, starting at age 33
Phil Snyder was best known for 15 years with the Humane Society of the U.S., but was in the field for 20 years before that & 15 years afterward SEBRING, Florida––Phillip Ryan Snyder, 88, better known as just Phil Snyder, died on November 22, 2025. Born in Plymouth, Michigan, in 1937, Snyder at his retirement […]
Did the Omak Suicide Race start with a horse massacre & the KKK?
Uncovering the nasty origins of an ugly event OMAK, Washington––The 91st edition of the bizarre and often deadly “World Famous Suicide Race” held annually in Omak, Washington, is to conclude on August 10, 2025, as the final event of the annual Omak Stampede Rodeo. Checking to see how many horses died at Omak this […]
What happened when I tried to ban rodeo in New York? by Irene Muschel
More cosponsors signed on to the rodeo ban bill than big groups helped to try to pass it (Irene Muschel, a longtime New York City animal advocate, school teacher, and social worker, lives about a mile from the American SPCA head offices as the crow flies, but a world away as ethics evolve. See Why […]
Kent Robertson, 73, led animal agencies in Dallas, Houston, St. Louis
Also noted for work on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kent Morris Robertson, 73, for 38 years a leader in animal care and control work, died in Denison, Texas, on December 31, 2023, after a long battle with multiple debilitating health conditions, including cancer. “Growing up in Sacramento, California, his family […]
Beating a live horse: who calls rodeo performers to account for doing it?
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association fines team roping star Jade Corkill $2,000; no entity associated with charreada does anything at all JOLIET, Illinois––Every Showing Animals Respect & Kindness [SHARK] video of charreada, or “Mexican-style” rodeo, shows intense abuse of steers and horses. Even by that miserable standard, the gratuitous violence demonstrated by one particular charro at […]
Darlene Wohler Larson, 78, mentored generation of animal care workers
Best known for long tenures with the National Animal Control Association & ASPCA Darlene Wohler Larson, 78, died on October 17, 2022. “She had entered hospice after extended hospital care following surgery,” longtime friend Bob Marotto announced via Facebook. “Darlene was an extraordinary and beloved person of great professional accomplishment,” Marotto said, but “never forgot […]
Vicky Crosetti, 66: “She was a good friend,” to animals & humans
ANIMALS 24-7 founding board member KNOXVILLE, Tennessee––Vicky Crosetti, for 19 years executive director of the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley and a founding member of the ANIMALS 24-7 board of directors, died on January 22, 2020, after a multi-year fight against lung cancer and a variety of other serious health issues. Crosetti would have […]
Gary Tiscornia, 75, headed Michigan Humane & Monterey County SPCA
Led Michigan Humane recovery post-David Wills TUCSON, Arizona––Gary Tiscornia, 75, died on October 14, 2021 in Tucson, Arizona, his home for much of his childhood, his university and early professional years, and in retirement after 41 years of leading or helping to lead the Humane Society of Tucson, the Michigan Humane Society, the Society […]
Fire, crime, shelter management & the wisdom of Warren Cox
“Fire is always a threat” ORLANDO, Florida; FRISCO, Texas––“We were able to save 45 cats and 26 dogs,” the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando posted to Facebook after a late night fire on September 15, 2021. “We are heartbroken to report that we lost 13 cats and there are four still missing,” the posting […]