As the RSPCA marks its 200th anniversary, the Staffordshire North branch is marking 60 years helping animals with a behind-the-scenes look at some amazing achievements thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers.
The world’s oldest animal welfare charity was formed 200 years ago this year after a small group of people met in a coffee shop determined to change animals’ lives and launched the SPCA on 16th June 1824. The charity was later given Royal patronage by Queen Victoria to become the RSPCA in 1840.
These 22 determined members – including MPs anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, Richard Martin as well as London vicar Arthur Broome – created an organisation that sparked a movement that spread around the world.
In 1963 in Stoke-on-Trent local like-minded people came together to help the animals of North Staffordshire and the RSPCA Inspectorate by finding new homes for animals that had been abused, suffered injury or been neglected.
Since then the branch based in North Staffordshire has gone from strength to strength and in the last decade it has rehomed 1802 animals.
The centre currently has 12 kennels for dogs and 20 spaces for cats. Often animals that come into branch care having endured horrendous suffering and neglect
It is funded by five charity shops in the area and relies on the generous donations from members of the public and also dedicated volunteers whose help is invaluable.
The local charity shops play an important part in providing financial income for the Staffordshire North Branch to assist with the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals within the branch area.
The branch hopes to open more shops to fund the rehabilitation of animals in care and to continue doing what it does best – making sure they find happy homes for many animals
Peter Matthews, Branch Chair, said: “For almost two centuries, the RSPCA has been changing minds, laws, industries and lives to create a better world for animals and people alike. We have come a long way in 200 years but there is still so much more to do.
“Here in Staffordshire North we have achieved so much in our 60 year history and we are still here to help animals in need and their owners who need us more than ever due to the cost of living crisis.
“The RSPCA is getting more calls about abandoned animals, neglect is on the rise, rehoming has been declining sharply – meaning thousands fewer rescue pets are being adopted – but more animals are coming into our care.
“At the same time while caring for the animals we are faced with increased bills and less donations due to the financially difficult economic climate.
“But together we can help animals and everyone can do their bit from donating funds to our cause, volunteering or even dropping goods off at our charity shops.
“We would also ask people to really consider rehoming a pet rather than buying one – together we can make the world a better place for animals.”
As the RSPCA celebrates its 200th year of changing industries, laws, minds, and animals’ lives, the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join our movement to improve animals’ lives. Together, there are actions, big and small, we can take to create a better world for every animal. To find out how you can join our million-strong movement for animals visit www.rspca.org.uk/200
