Protecting Animals from Cruelty and Mistreatment
The ASPCA protects animals from abuse, neglect, exploitation and suffering through rescue, rehabilitation, advocacy, forensic science, legal support and education. In 2025, we supported more than 1,300 animals from suspected cruelty cases involving abuse, neglect, hoarding and organized fighting. We also conducted more than 600 forensic examinations at the ASPCA Veterinary Forensic Science Center in Gainesville, Florida — the first U.S. forensic laboratory dedicated to animal cruelty casework. We provided legal support in more than 500 suspected animal cruelty and fighting cases nationwide and engaged thousands of professionals through educational resources focused on recognizing cruelty, enforcing laws and supporting prosecution efforts.
Promoting Pet Health and Wellbeing in New York City
Rescuing Victims of Dogfighting
Assisting After the Rescue
Supporting Law Enforcement and Prosecutors
Protecting Horses from Cruelty
Promoting Pet Health and Wellbeing in New York City
In New York City, the ASPCA Community Engagement team helped pets and families access essential services while supporting animals connected to suspected cruelty investigations and other welfare concerns. In 2025, the team opened over 450 new cases — an increase of more than 30% from 2024 — and provided more than 3,700 services to animals. Vaccine events and home visits delivered preventive care to over 1,300 pets, including approximately 2,800 vaccines. Working with pet food partners, the ASPCA also helped distribute nearly 192,000 pounds of pet food to help families care for their animals.
Community Veterinary Clinics Help Luna and Others Thrive
Every Wednesday and Friday, ASPCA Community Veterinary Clinics in Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Miami provide accessible vaccine services for pets. At a vaccine event in Queens, Luna, a young cat who had recently given birth to four kittens, was one of thousands of pets who benefited from care by the ASPCA — care that helps improve animal health and welfare in underserved communities. Read more about Luna and other pets who have visited our Community Veterinary Clinics.
Rescuing Victims of Dogfighting
2025 marked a significant year in the ASPCA’s efforts to combat dogfighting, including working closely with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to strengthen the state’s response to this brutal form of cruelty. Throughout the year, the ASPCA provided field response, evidence support, investigative and legal assistance, veterinary and behavioral expertise, and pathways to placement for rescued dogs.
Rescuing Dogfighting Survivors in South Carolina
In March, we assisted SLED with a large-scale operation — spanning 10 locations across two counties — that resulted in the seizure of more than 150 dogs. Many had untreated injuries and were transferred to an ASPCA facility for critical care as they began their journeys toward recovery and placement. Learn more about this case and other dogfighting investigations.
Assisting After the Rescue
Rescue is only one step in the path to justice and healing. ASPCA experts supported law enforcement, prosecutors and animals involved in cruelty cases through forensic evaluations, legal guidance, transport and case support. In New York City, 2025 marked the highest case volume since the ASPCA-NYPD partnership began, with the ASPCA assisting the NYPD with over 420 suspected animal cruelty investigations. Engagement with NYPD professionals also increased 17% year over year, with the ASPCA providing 41 training sessions for more than 2,600 attendees.
From Trauma to Triumph: Stella’s Remarkable Recovery
Abandoned with severe injuries, Stella spent months undergoing medical treatment, physical therapy and behavioral rehabilitation at the ASPCA. Despite suffering from multiple fractures, malnutrition and other trauma, she made a remarkable recovery, put her painful past behind her and is thriving in a loving home. Read Stella’s story of resilience.
Supporting Law Enforcement and Prosecutors
Through national and New York City-based educational programs, the ASPCA provided prosecutors and law enforcement professionals with resources to help them respond effectively to suspected cruelty, identify and preserve evidence, and build stronger cases on behalf of animals. In 2025, our teams reached over 1,200 professionals nationally and more than 2,000 in New York City. We supported more than 70 national cruelty investigations and over 440 New York City investigations, strengthening the capacity of law enforcement, prosecutors and animal welfare partners.
The ASPCA provided professionals in Maine, North Carolina and Texas with the tools they need to respond effectively to cruelty cases during animal cruelty investigation workshops in 2025. The free, two-day, hands-on workshops empowered participants — including law enforcement, prosecutors, veterinarians and sheltering organizations — to mitigate and prevent cruelty within their communities and to practice essential skills for investigation, seizure, evidence documentation and testimony.
Protecting Horses from Cruelty
In 2025, we responded to a large-scale equine cruelty case in Montana involving nearly 90 Morgan horses found underweight and in urgent need of veterinary care. For four months, the ASPCA coordinated veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and daily care. After being granted legal custody, we conducted a six-day adoption event where more than 60 horses were adopted into new homes; those who needed additional rehabilitation or evaluation before adoption were transported to ASPCA Right Horse adoption partners to receive continued care. The case helped raise awareness of equine adoption and the need for stronger protections for horses nationwide.
Three Lucky Horses, One Lucky Family
On the last day of the six-day adoption event, there were just three horses still in need of loving homes. Looking for a horse gentle enough to handle her grandchildren, Gin K. was scheduled to meet the remaining horses. Little did she know she’d fall in love with all three. Read their story and see why there wasn't a dry eye at the ranch.
- Home/Letter from CEO
- Ensuring Safe and Healthy Environments for Animals
- Expanding Access to Veterinary Care in 2025
- Protecting Animals from Cruelty and Mistreatment
- Advancing Animal Welfare and Strengthening Local Capacity