Mercy Crusade, a leading humane organization in the southland, was founded in 1949 by Betty Cardoni. Mercy Crusade was recognized for its commitment to animal welfare and protection. This organization has many accomplishments including launching public low cost spay and neuter clinic programs, humane public education programs, and conducting investigations that solved cases of cruelty to animals [B.38.40](https://feldman.labyrinth.garden/admin/item/12267). Other efforts that this organization has taken part in include sponsoring animal Bail-Out, whereby they paid all associated costs of impound, immunization, license, and spay and neuter fees for animals adopted on December 22-24, 1987 [F.11.12](https://feldman.labyrinth.garden/admin/item/5961). In the year 1985 alone, 200 animals were bailed out [M.15](https://feldman.labyrinth.garden/admin/item/17666). Furthermore, Mercy Crusade provided free dog and cat spay and neuter vouchers at the Ann Street Animal Shelter and at the 11th Avenue Animal Shelter to those who make no more than $7500 a month [B.46.6] (https://feldman.labyrinth.garden/admin/item/13230), and they donated $100,000 to the City of Los Angeles with a goal to renovate the animal care facilities for animals impounded by the Department of Animal Regulation. These funds were used at the Harbor and Eleventh Avenue Shelters [B.7](https://feldman.labyrinth.garden/admin/item/13234). Betty Cardoni comments: “We feel that the progressive attitude of the City of Los Angeles Department of Animal Regulation and their continuing endeavor to provide medical facilities and good care for impounded sick and injured animals will be greatly enhanced with the use of these funds” [B.7](https://feldman.labyrinth.garden/admin/item/13234). The images featured here show one of the outcomes of the $100,000 fund. Image D.87.3 shows councilman Gibson “using a king-size ribbon cutter to open a new animal hospital at the LA City District Harbor Animal Shelter, 735 battery Street, San Pedro, February 28, 1979. The new animal shelter was financed through bequests from the famed Lake Tahoe developer and wild animal lover George Whittell’s estate and from contributions from Mercy Crusade, Inc.”[D.87.3](https://feldman.labyrinth.garden/admin/item/14523).

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