ANTI-ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS IN THE NEW YORK OF THE 1860S

[...]prior studies focus on one aspect of the law enforcement of the ASPCA, namely, the protection of animals.11 It is necessary to study another aspect of the ASPCA, namely, that the ASPCA protected humans from animals since animals cause problems.12 Given the social conditions that existed at the time, laws relating to animal handling had a public health purpose. Both organizations were established in New York State in 1866 and were charged with law enforcement regarding the handling of animals. Since the ASPCA and MBH had different objectives and perspectives in enforcing such laws, it is necessary to examine these two documents to understand the historical development of anti-animal cruelty laws. In 1840, Queen Victoria authorized the use of the word "Royal", and the Society changed its name to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).19 To know the influence of British law on American ones, it is necessary to pay attention to the British criminal justice system, which provides for private prosecutions. (1) Food Safety This subsection provides an overview of the legislation relating to animal handling passed for food safety, An Act to Prevent the Adulteration of Milk, Confining, and Feeding of Cows on Unsuitable Food.29 The first Annual Report of the ASPCA referred to this law as one of the laws "relating to the objects of" the ASPCA.30 1 provided that those who knowingly sold, exchanged, or exposed "for sale or exchange, any impure, adulterated or unwholesome milk" were to be punished for a misdemeanor. 2 prohibited three kinds of actions: to "adulterate milk, with the view of offering the same for sale or exchange", "keep cows for the production of milk for market, or for sale or exchange, in a crowded and unhealthy condition", and "feed the same on food that produces impure, diseased or unwholesome milk".