A bit on the RSPCA

Now, more than ever, is a topical time to focus on the efforts on animal welfare organisations, particularly the RSPCA. With the bushfires happening in the southern region of Australia and flooding taking place up north, there are going to be a lot of displaced dogs – adding to the already large number of dumped, unwanted and stray dogs. But who is the RSPCA, and what do they do for animals in Australia?

The first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals began in Melbourne on the 4th of July back in 1871. Other states followed with Tasmania in 1872, South Australia in 1873, Queensland in 1883, Western Australia 1892, the Australian Capital Territory in 1955 and the Northern Territory in 1965. The Royal Warrant, giving the national RSPCA brand that is recognised today, was issued in 1956. By 1980 it was clear that the RSPCAmovement had such authority on matters of animal cruelty that it was the organisation the government turned to in regards to advice on policy matters and national animal welfare issues. Today, the RSPCA has more then 20,000 members nationally and helps prevent cruelty to pets, livestock and animals in the wild.

The RSPCA is funded in part by the Australian Government but also relies largely on corporate sponsorship, donations, fundraising events and volunteer help to continue running. Volunteers make up over half of the total number of paid staff with more than 7,500 people volunteering at the RSPCA every year, and can do anything from gardening, working with the animals at a shelter, assisting with administrative tasks, helping out in Op Shops and organising fundraising and promotional events.

The RSPCA Victoria is currently working in the affected bushfire zones in Victoria to rescue animals from bushfire affected areas and provide them with emergency care. They are also delivering quantities of emergency animal supplies across Victoria, providing support to vets and wildlife centres and providing free veterinary care at their Burwood and Pearcedale Veterinary Clinics. The RSPCA Victoria is also working to reunite lost pets with their families.

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering at the RSPCA visit www.rspca.org.au