The Band of Mercy
May 21st, 2013 by bachmann
When Boston lawyer, George Thorndyke Angell, read about the extreme cruelty beset upon two horses, each beaten and raced to death, he established the Massachusetts Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in order to “to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves”. His highly public outcry of this issue, along with support from some of Boston’s famous families and other local societies, led directly to the first anti-cruelty act for Massachusetts in 1869. By the 1880s, the MSPCA partnered with Rev. Thomas Timmins to start the “Band of Mercy of America”, based on a popular animal rights movement in Great Britain during the 1870s. The organization was focused on educating the youth of America. If one taught animal kindness to children, the benefit would be long lasting and carry over into future generations. As a member of the Band of Mercy, a child made the solemn pledge to “be kind to all harmless living creatures, and try to protect them from cruel usage”. At regular meetings, the children would recite songs, tell stories, and receive lessons on how to be kind to all animal species. The popularity of the Band of Mercy membership exploded over the decade, totaling nearly 250,000 children nationwide. This publication from 1883 is an example of the literature distributed amongst membership and sold to the public in order to raise awareness and support.
The wordless understanding between human and animal
Bobby the Skye Terrier became a famous icon in Britain. Bobby was known for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, a policeman named John Gray, after he died in 1858. People’s connection with this story led to a commemorative statue of Bobby.
Mrs. Lincoln of Boston became known for the “power of kindness over the brutal instincts of men and animals”. Mrs. Lincoln, herself motherless, took on a pair of baby lions who were to be separated from their mother. Bringing them to her home in Boston, she was devoted to their welfare, feeding, teaching and caring for them, even calling them her babies, and herself their mamma.
- Description:
- Timmins, Thomas. The history of the founding, aims, and growth, of the American bands of mercy. Boston : M.S.P.C.A. and Parent Band of Mercy of America, 1883.
- Persistent Link:
- http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:10471583
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University
