the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
/ði əˌmerɪkən səˌsaɪəti fə ðə prɪˌvenʃn əv ˌkruːəlti tu ˈænɪmlz/
/ði əˌmerɪkən səˌsaɪəti fər ðə prɪˌvenʃn əv ˌkruːəlti tu ˈænɪmlz/
(abbreviation the ASPCA)
- a US charity that works to protect animals and to prevent them being treated in a cruel way. It also runs centres where people can adopt animals that have no owner, and provides veterinary services and advice on pet care. The charity began in 1866 and is the oldest organization of this type in America. Its main offices are in New York.
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the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals