Mercy: The incredible story of Henry Bergh

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 23, 2017

Review

Henry Bergh was the privileged son of a shipyard owner in 19th century New York. He was born in 1813. Because of his wealth he was able to dabble at writing and spend years finding his true calling without worrying about holding down a job. In 1863 he was appointed to a diplomatic post in Russia. One day, while posted in Russia, he saw a horse being beaten by his driver. No one knows why this particular day Bergh was moved to stop and speak up. Bergh ordered the man to stop - and suddenly realized his words had power - the power to put an end to cruelty to animals. He resigned his post and took a detour to England on his journey back to America. There he met with the president of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Henry Bergh had found his passion. He returned to New York and started the ASPCA. In 19th century New York animals worked themselves to death, fought to the death as entertainment and were poisoned by their feed - and Bergh fought tirelessly to pass anti-cruelty laws and help enforce them. Bergh also founded the first child protection agency. The book has photos, drawings, a bibliography and timeline.

Overall Book Score: good