History of RSPCA
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is the first animal welfare charity founded in the world. Located in England and Wales, the RSPCA is funded entirely by donations. The charity’s patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The mission of the RSPCA is to care for animals by preventing cruelty, promoting kindness and alleviating suffering.
- The organization started as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in a London coffee shop in 1824.
- In 1840, Queen Victoria gave the charity permission to add the royal "R," and it became the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
- The founders included 22 reformers led by Richard Martin MP, later known as Humanity Dick, William Wilberforce MP and the Reverend Arthur Broome.
- The RSPCA brought 63 offenders before the Courts in 1824. The first known conviction for animal rights in London is depicted in a painting, “Trial of Bill Burns,” where Richard Martin is shown with a donkey that had been beaten by Bill Burns.
- The RSPCA’s lobbying during the 19th century resulted in the creation of animal welfare legislation, and continues to help change laws to improve the lives of animals.
- Martin’s Act was the first animal welfare law and declared illegal the cruel treatment of cattle. Passed in 1822, two years before the founding of the RSPCA.
- Pease’s Act in 1835 consolidated Martin’s Act. The animal cruelty prohibition was extended to dogs and other domestic animals, cock fighting, bear baiting and demanded better standards for slaughter houses.
- Other pieces of legislation included the Cruelty to Animals Act in 1876, which was passed to control animal experimentation, the Sir George Greenwood’s Animal Protection Act in 1911, and most recently the Animal Welfare Act in 2006. The Animal Welfare Act of 2006 updated all the main animal legislation since the Protection Act of 1911.
- RSPCA inspectors investigate animal cruelty complaints 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- In 2009, the organization’s centers, hospitals and branches treated 217,497 sick or injured animals, and provided homes to 70,030 animals.
- To achieve its mission, the RSPCA works for the welfare of pet animals, campaigns for farm animals, fights for the welfare of wild animals abd animals used in research.