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Our history

The Victorian Society for the Protection of Animals was established in Melbourne in 1871. Driven by the concern for the welfare of horses in colonial Victoria, a meeting was held to discuss the plight of animals at the Assembly Hall in Collins Street, Melbourne.

Between thirty to forty members of the public attended this meeting, including Mr. Thomas McPherson, who later became Mayor of Melbourne. Crimes against animals and ways to prevent them were discussed. The animal welfare movement in Australia had begun.

The Society's first Annual General Meeting was held in 1872 at the Mechanics' Institute in Melbourne, followed by the opening of its offices at No. 1 Collins Street, East, Melbourne. Complaints could be lodged every day from 12pm to 2pm and Saturdays 10am to noon.

Animal cruelty cases were brought to the Society's notice and the Secretary and Honorary Inspector attended these accordingly. In the first three months of the Society's operation convictions included:

• Gross cruelty to a horse by a wood carter (fine 25 shillings - decimal equivalent $2.50).

• Three cases of stocking cows (fine 40 shillings each - decimal equivalent $4.00).

• Cruelty to a dog (fine 20 shillings with 21 shillings costs - decimal equivalent $2.00 & $2.10).

In one case in the late 1800's a cab driver worked his horse double its normal time on Boxing Day. When the horse finally jibbed, the owner lashed it and then took it back to its stable, for further punishment. Its head was tied down to the manger, it was beaten with two sticks and then stabbed repeatedly receiving twenty-eight wounds. The Chief Justice, who tried the case with the man pleading guilty, remarked that a man who could thus abuse an animal would not hesitate to torture a human being and he sentenced the man to two years' hard labour.
 

Public support

In the early years of the RSPCA there was much speculation about the function of the Society and its role in the community. To gauge public support the Society issued a notice asking for public comment on its services, and assistance with setting its objectives. In response an essay was submitted, showing the strength of support and feeling at the time.

*'A Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals! I read the announcement with astonishment Is there any work for them to do amongst us? Need there be a Society to prevent it? Think a little.

Think of the over-driven, over-burdened beasts you see in the streets every day. Remember the accounts which the newspapers occasionally give of the cattle driven to the city for market, left unfed, unsheltered, unwatered in our sweltering summer heats for days together. Do not forget that stage driver who made a horse with a broken leg go fifteen miles over a bush road, dragged on by the other horses while he lashed and cursed the helpless beast These things are of recent occurrence, and they happened in or near Melbourne. Do not ask, then, if there is work to be done,

In 1881 the name of the Society was changed to 'Society for the Protection of Animals', later becoming 'The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' in 1956.

In 1926, the first 'animal shelter' was established, taking the form of a rest home for horses, located at High Street Road, Ashburton. This development made way for a new era for the RSPCA, creating the way for greater animal protection and care.

Today the RSPCA operates 10 shelters, two veterinary clinics and a presence in all areas of the state. Education is of primary focus to the RSPCA and the construction of an Education Centre at Bruwood East and development of an extensive education programme has provided the focus for further change and improvement in animal welfare.

*(Extract from 'The Present Duty' An Essay by Firenze 1888)

For more information on the history of RSPCA Victoria, visit our online shop to view our official 135 year history book.