The influential woman recognized for her role in animal welfare is Henry Bergh’s contemporary, Laura J. O'Neill. She is known for her activism and founding the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in the United States. Although men like Bergh played significant roles in this movement, O'Neill's advocacy highlighted cruelty prevention and compassionate treatment of animals. Her contributions helped raise societal awareness about animal rights and paved the way for organizations dedicated to ensuring the welfare of animals, establishing precedents that continue to influence the movement.