Animals have been a part of people's lives for thousands of years. They have been a source of food, tools, and shelter. Perhaps the greatest thing animals have done for humans is to be reliable companions1. There is something special about the connection between humans and animals. It can be seen when children play with their pets or when a police officer trusts his life to the dog at his side. For most people, seeing a tiny puppy playing in a
clumsy way makes their hearts melt. Unfortunately, some people do not understand animals, their feelings, or why they also
deserve respect.
動物融入人類的生活已經好幾千年了。牠們是食物，也是工具和庇護的來源。動物對人類的最大貢獻或許就是成為值得人們信賴的同伴。人類與動物之間的關係有其特殊之處。而這點從孩子和他們的寵物玩在一起，或是從警員把性命託付給他身旁的狗兒時都可以看出端倪。對大部分的人來說，看著一隻小小的幼犬笨拙地玩耍就足以融化他們的心。不幸的是，有些人並不瞭解動物、不明白動物的感受，或是無法理解為何牠們也應該受到尊重。
Millions of pets and animals are
abused by people. Animals in these situations need heroes, and luckily, they have them. One of them is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty2 to Animals. Known as the ASPCA, it was founded in 1866 in New York City. It is the first and oldest organization for animal
welfare in the US. Its creator, Henry Bergh, worked to stop cockfighting3 and change the way animals were treated in slaughterhouses4. He understood that even though some animals were used for food, they should not be treated
cruelly. Today, the ASPCA has the
authority to
investigate animal cruelty crimes and even
make arrests. They are also connected to veterinary5 clinics6 and adoption7 agencies. Many offer pet owners free services. Together, they make sure animals are getting everything they need to lead happy and healthy lives.
有數百萬隻的寵物和動物都遭到人類的虐待。遭遇這些慘況的動物需要英雄，所幸也確實有英雄來拯救牠們。其中之一就是美國防止虐待動物協會。以簡寫ASPCA為人所知的美國防止虐待動物協會於1866年在紐約市成立。它是美國為增進動物福祉所成立的第一個、同時也是歷史最悠久的組織。創辦人亨利‧柏格當時致力於杜絕鬥雞這種活動，並且還改善了動物在屠宰場裡所受到的待遇。他瞭解到，就算有些動物是拿來食用的，牠們也不應該被殘忍地對待。如今，美國防止虐待動物協會有權力調查虐待動物的犯罪案件，甚至還能進行逮捕。他們也和獸醫診所及收養機構保持聯繫。上述機構當中有許多還會提供免費服務給寵物的飼主。這些團體會共同聯手以確保動物得到牠們所需的一切，並且過著健康快樂的生活。
1. clumsy a. 笨拙的，不靈活的
My little brother's clumsy attempt to catch the ball made us laugh.
我弟試圖要接球的笨拙模樣讓我們都捧腹大笑。
2. deserve vt. 應得，應受到
I believe that bad guys will get what they deserve.
我相信壞人會受到應得的報應。
3. abuse vt. 虐待
Sophie had a miserable childhood because she was abused by her father.
蘇菲有個悲慘的童年，因為她那時候被她父親虐待。
4. welfare n. 福祉，福利；幸福
The charity provided better welfare for the poor.
那個慈善機構為窮人提供了更好的福祉。
5. cruelly adv. 殘忍地，殘酷地
The bully cruelly pushed a boy to the ground and forced him to hand over his money.
那名惡霸殘酷地把一個男孩推倒在地，並逼他交出錢來。
6. authority n. 權，權力
Several countries claim authority over these waters.
有數個國家宣稱這片海域的主權歸屬他們。
7. investigate vt. 查明，調查
The study investigated the impact of violence in the media on children.
這項研究是調查媒體上的暴力對孩童所造成的影響。
《Phrases for Learning》
◆ make an arrest 逮捕
The police officers made several arrests last night.
警員們昨晚一連逮捕了好幾個人。
1. companion n. 同伴，夥伴
2. cruelty n. 殘忍（的行為）
3. cockfighting n. 鬥雞
4. slaughterhouse n. 屠宰場
5. veterinary a. 獸醫的
6. clinic n. 診所
7. adoption n. 收養，領養（本文中作形容詞用）
Known as the ASPCA, it was...
（以簡寫ASPCA為人所知的美國防止虐待動物協會……）
"be known as..."表『以……的名稱∕身份為人所知』，以下介紹其它與 known 有關的片語：
1. be known for... 以……聞名∕為人所知
This region is known for its red wine.
（這個地區以其紅酒而聞名。）
2. be known to + 人 為某人所（熟）知
Cathy is known to her co-workers as a big mouth.
（凱西的同事都知道她是個大嘴巴。）
3. be known by... 從……區別∕辨識
Pure silk is known by its texture.
（純蠶絲可由其質地來辨識。）
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