by Pat Gray

Created on: December 08, 2008

The RSPCA is the oldest national animal welfare charity in the world, founded in 1824 by reformers in England. The group was originally concerned with farm animals and met at the "Old Slaughters" coffee house, their goal was to ensure that existing laws against animal cruelty were enforced.

In the early days, the RSPCA was instrumental in the passage of additional animal welfare legislation dealing with baiting, fighting and animal experiments. Originally the group used committees who investigated cattle markets and slaughterhouses, but soon switched to paid inspectors who brought suspected wrong-doers before the courts.

The turning point for the organization came in 1835 when the Duchess of Kent, soon to become Queen Victoria, lent her support by joining the list of patrons. In 1840, the society was granted permission to add "Royal" to it's title. Over 150 years later, the ties to royalty continue and today, Queen Elizabeth is a patron of the RSPCA.

Interestingly, the RSPCA was also responsible for the child welfare movement. Members of the RSPCA assisted in the creating of the SPCA (the American sister organization). One of the members of the SPCA was duped into helping an abused child, reported by a charity worker as animal abuse. The SPCA stepped in, and the child received the same level of care and protection animals were already receiving. From this act of compassion, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was founded in New York. When the news of this story reached London, a similar organization was proposed and eventually formed in the UK.

In another twist of fate, the RSPCA's concern for draft horses led to the development of a quick-release mechanism, which was used by airborne troops and pilots in World War Two to quickly slip out of parachute harnesses. The same device that allowed fallen horses to be freed, sparing them injury and trauma helped to save human lives in war-time.

The RSPCA assisted in other war efforts, helping animals trapped and injured in the blitz and sending aid to animals serving on the front lines. The Society set up animal clinics across the country and set up temporary shelters for displaced animals - the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace was used to house dray horses from a bombed brewery.

Today the RSPCA is one of the largest charities in the UK with an annual income of over 100 million pounds (or $150 million dollars). There are over 170 local branches and over 200 charity shops. The Society is funded by charitable

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