The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first such group of its type in the country. There are many such groups now, under the general SPCA banner. The goal of all of them is to assure humane treatment of animals through education of the public, maintenance of animal shelters, and enforcement of laws relating to animal care. In New York, ASPCA agents are empowered to act as peace officers. They may carry firearms, may sue owners for mistreatment of an animal, and may, with court permission, remove an animal from the possession of its owner.