History of the RSPCA

Whilst the RSPCA in Australia is not directly linked to the RSPCA in the United Kingdom, it was in the UK that a society with the aim of preventing cruelty to animals was first formed.

On the evening of the 16th June 1824, a number of distinguished people, including William Wilberforce, assembled at the 'Old Slaughters' Coffee House' in London. They were called together by the Rev. Arthur Broome, a London vicar to form a society which would support the working of Richard Martin's Act. This Act was passed on the 22nd July 1822 and was against cruelty to farm animals, particularly cattle. The first animal welfare Society in any Country had been 'born'.

The newly formed organisation did not at first employ Inspectors, but relied on a Committee to inspect the markets, slaughter houses and in the streets of the metropolis, the conduct of coachmen.

Arthur Broome employed, at his own expense, a gentleman named Mr Wheeler, who together with his assistant, Charles Teasdall, brought 63 offenders before the Courts in 1824. It was not until the late 1830's however, that the society started the tradition of the Inspector.

Unfortunately, the popularity of so called sports, such as cock-fighting, bull and bear baiting, and the initial reluctance of magistrates to convict offenders, made the early days an uphill struggle.

Financial problems also slowed down progress; indeed Arthur Broome was imprisoned for the Society's debts. Gradually though, public support showed itself in the form of donations, and increased willingness to give evidence against offenders.

Royal patronage was given to the Society in 1835 when the Duchess of Kent, and her daughter, Princess Victoria, become Lady Patrons. Further patronage was given to the Society in 1840, when Queen Victoria honoured the Society with the prefix "Royal".

The Queen's disapproval of using animals for experimentation was instrumental in the passing of the first law against vivisection. By 1841 there were five Inspectors, each paid a guinea a week, based in London, who travelled to various parts of the Country bringing offenders before the Courts.

The New South Wales Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded at a public meeting held at the office of Mr RC Want, 132 Pitt Street, Sydney on 16 July 1873. The name was changed to the Animals Protection Society in 1895, and later to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, NSW in 1918. The use of the title Royal was approved by King George V in 1923.

In 1972, the Premier of NSW, The Hon. Sir Robert Askin officially opened the RSPCA’s Yagoona shelter. The shelter now includes accommodation for up to 900 animals, the largest Veterinary Clinic in the Southern Hemisphere, exercise yards, administration offices, cleaning/grooming areas, kennels and stables.

By 1980, it became obvious that the RSPCA movement had to become a national organisation to speak with one voice on policy matters, and to offer advice to the federal government on national animal welfare issues.

Since its origin in 1873, the RSPCA has fought relentlessly against animal cruelty. It has witnessed dramatic and positive changes in the way that animals are treated within our society, and has overseen incremental improvements in legislation governing animal welfare.

Today, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, NSW has over 10,000 members, 26 branches and a network of shelters, veterinary clinics and inspectors to serve the whole of NSW.

RSPCA NSW Vision

"That all areas of the community will recognise that the RSPCA acts on behalf of all animals large or small, and that it is adequately funded to carry out its goals."