Los Angeles, CA — Today, the President of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA), Madeline Bernstein will share animal welfare expertise with Japanese students from Akademeia 21st Century. Over the years, spcaLA has worked with Akademeia 21st Century and other international learning academies, animal groups, and government officials to discuss topics such as animal welfare, humane education, and the concept of One Health. Education is a tenet of the spcaLA Mission, and education efforts such as today’s foster animal welfare globally and improve the lives of animals worldwide.

Since its inception in 1877, spcaLA has been on the forefront of animal welfare innovations. Most recently in February 2024, Bernstein promoted spcaLA’s Animal Safety Net (ASN)™ as it relates to the concept of One Health at the World Heath Conference in Lisbon, Portugal. One Health recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, particularly when it comes to zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans). spcaLA’s ASN has offered free, temporary housing for the pets of domestic violence survivors and others in crisis since 1998.

Bernstein expressed enthusiasm about spcaLA’s global reach, stating, “I am thrilled to share expertise to international organizations and contribute to the global movement for animal welfare. Through education and advocacy, spcaLA takes our local impact and multiplies it for people and animals all over the world.”

In April 2020, spcaLA joined 37 other national and international animal welfare organizations, known as PawPac, to urge the California Governor and State Surgeon General to ban the sale and importation of wildlife and non-native species for human consumption in the state. 68 members of the United States Congress joined PawPac in calling on the Director Generals of the World Health Organization and other global organizations to take aggressive actions for a global shut down of live wildlife markets. spcaLA has engaged with California policy makers since 1993 on live food market issues in the state. Among other things, selling wild animals for consumption creates higher potential for zoonotic disease transmission.

Further, members of spcaLA Violence Prevention Humane Education Department traveled to Taiwan in March of 2019 to share expertise on the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty, and to share knowledge of spcaLA’s violence prevention programs. In 2018, spcaLA sent Veterinary Services staff to China to impart spay and neuter expertise.

While locals know spcaLA as THEIR spca, spcaLA has made a profound positive impact on animal welfare globally through advocacy and education. Its proactive stance on the concept of One Health has raised awareness, created policy change, and inspired students and leaders throughout the world.