You think North America has a long way to go? Seriously? Maybe you haven't traveled to other parts of the world much but really...companion animals here, for how desparate it can seem at times, have it pretty well compared to many other places on the planet....
as a matter of fact i've traveled quite a bit including throughout the "third world". i agree that animals are treated pretty well here compared to other places, but that doesn't mean there isn't lots of room for improvment. poor treatment in, let's say rural africa, doesn't justify neglect or lack of care here. for me this isn't a relative issue.