Susan Angeli, age 16, of Fargo, N.D., for her question:

WHEN WAS THE FIRST HUMANE SOCIETY ESTABLISHED?

A humane society is a group dedicated to protecting children and animals from cruelty. The first humane societies were founded in the 1700s to teach people lifesaving methods and to prevent drownings.

The first humane society to be established for the prevention of cruelty to animals was founded in England more than 160 years ago in 1824. The first American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded in New York City in 1866. The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was organized in 1876. A philanthropist named Henry Bergh took a leading part in organizing both.

In the late 1800s, humane societies were formed throughout the United States and in Canada. to 1877 many of the local groups in the U S. formed the American Humane Association.

Today, a person who sees a child being mistreated or an animal being made to suffer can notify a local humane society. The society is usually in a position to take legal action against the offender.