ASPCA Responds to Public Concern Over Alleged Animal Cruelty by Costa Rican Artist
NEW YORK, April 24, 2008—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today released a statement in response to the tremendous outpouring of public concern over an alleged 2007 art exhibition by Costa Rican artist Guillermo Habacuc Vargas, in which the artist reportedly chained a dog to a corner of a gallery, leaving the dog to slowly starve to death without any food or water.
Online “chatter” and public outcry regarding this incident has increased steadily over the last several weeks after many Web sites have reported that this artist is planning future exhibitions. Many have wondered whether the stories or images are real.
“While this incident reportedly took place in Nicaragua and the facts are difficult to determine, it is horrifying that a member of the global art community would even contemplate deliberately starving and killing a defenseless animal in the name of art,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.
“The ASPCA is opposed to cruelty to animals of all types, in all societies,” continued Sayres. “However, it is also not the policy of the ASPCA to condemn entire communities or countries for the cruel acts of individuals. What we need to do collectively is to step up our efforts to educate the public on the humane treatment of animals, so that such events do not occur again.”
The ASPCA’s scope of work encompasses the United States. The organization is a member of WSPA (The World Society for the Protection of Animals) and supports their positions on international animal welfare-related issues. According to ASPCA discussions with WSPA officials, when Vargas was invited to compete in an art show in Honduras this year, WSPA and member society the Honduras Association for the Protection of Animals and their Environment (AHPRA) acted to ensure this cruelty could not be repeated by any artist. WSPA has also indicated to the ASPCA that it will strengthen its efforts to enact stronger animal protection laws in Nicaragua.
The ASPCA asks its supporters everywhere to advocate on behalf of animals through their own actions, whether that be by staying abreast of international animal welfare issues via information provided by WSPA, supporting national or local animal welfare organizations, or educating others in your own community on how to detect, and fight, animal cruelty.
To join the ASPCA in its ongoing fight for the humane treatment of animals, please visit http://www.fightcruelty.org/ and take our pledge to help fight animal cruelty.We’re thrilled to announce the February 2008 launch of Henry’s Book Club! We’ll be spreading the joy of reading and teaching kids what it means to be humane through the pages of our ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award winners.
Fast Facts:
What: Henry’s Book Club, developed by ASPCA Humane Education experts for bookworms aged 5 through young adult.
Who: The club is named in honor of Henry Bergh, who founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1866. Born to a wealthy family and appointed by President Lincoln as a diplomat to Russia before starting the ASPCA, Bergh was a familiar figure on the streets of New York, donning a top hat (hence our mascot’s headwear!) and elegant attire while watching out for abuses against animals.
Why: Henry’s Book Club aims to help children develop literary and language skills. Through the club, they’ll meet new people, be exposed to other’s ideas and perspectives, gain a deeper understanding of books and learn to analyze what they read. Participation also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
Where: We’re encouraging parents and teachers to help kids all over the country start their own Henry’s Book Clubs in their local communities, and we’ve also developed a virtual club for older readers to discuss books online in the ASPCA Online Community.
When: Every month, Henry’s Book Club will feature two books for kids—one for ages 5 to 8 and one for ages 9 and up. Teens can visit the ASPCA Online Community to find and discuss their book of the month.
How: Teachers and parents can read our start-up guide online for info on organizing a club. The ASPCA will provide a brief description of each book, polls, quizzes and a list of discussion questions for use at club meetings. Authors will also be featured as special guests and provide questions that can be included during club meetings.
For more information:
Just for Teens (13 & Up)
Join Henry’s Book Club online! Visit the ASPCA Online Community to see our featured book of the month. After you read the book, you can discuss what you liked and didn’t like about it with other teens across the country. We’ll also be hosting live chats with the authors!
Just for Kids (5 to 12 Years Old)
Visit ASPCA Animaland to learn how you can start your very own book club with your friends! We’ve picked out the books for you—one for ages 5-8 and one for ages 9 & up—and have some ideas on what you can talk about in your meetings.
Parents and Teachers
Want to make a difference? We’ll tell you everything you need to organize a group of children who share an interest in animals and are dedicated to reading books.
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