Project Facts and Photos
We find many students writing in to ask for
information about the RSPCA, what we do in our shelters and
clinics, how
many animals we receive each year and what kind of animals we see. To help
students we
have compiled a facts and photographs page. Please feel free to
use the photographs on our site and all
the information for your projects.
What
does RSPCA stand for?
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
When was the RSPCA founded? Who founded it? Why was it
founded?
In 1822 a society was formed in London to stop cruelty to
farm animals. Originally a committee inspected
markets and slaughterhouses and it was not until the late 1830's
that trained inspectors took over.
In 1840 Queen Victoria honoured the Society with the prefix 'Royal'
and the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was started.
When was the RSPCA formed in Victoria?
The first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
in Australia was formed in Victoria in 1871. On
the 4th July a public meeting was arranged by the Society for
the Promotion of Public Morality to discuss
the carefree colonial attitude towards animals. The main
concern of people who attended the public
meeting was the ill treatment of horses.
What is the RSPCA's mission?
The primary objectives of the RSPCA are the prevention of
cruelty to animals and animal rehabilitation by:
enforcing existing laws and co-operating with the relevant
authorities
preparing submissions for and advocating improved
legislation
generating and sustaining public opinion throughout
Victoria for responsible attitudes towards animals
assisting bodies throughout Australia, and elsewhere, with
the prevention of cruelty to and protection of
animals
providing suitable facilities for animal care and
recovery.
What are the RSPCA's guidelines for animal welfare? (5 Freedoms)
Freedom from hunger and thirst.
Freedom from discomfort.
Freedom from pain, injury or disease.
Freedom to express normal behaviour.
Freedom from fear and distress.
Is the RSPCA funded by the government?
No. The RSPCA (Vic) Inc. is an independent,
community-based charity. It was re- incorporated in January,
1992 as an association under the Associations
Incorporation Act. It is not a Government body or
instrumentality.
Who works at RSPCA headquarters?
The RSPCA employs 317 full time, part time and casual staff.
They are assisted by almost 600 volunteers
every week. Animal attendants, veterinarians and vet nurses,
administrative and clerical personnel,
education officers, inspectors, public relations and marketing
staff are all needed to keep the RSPCA
functioning.
What services does the RSPCA provide?
Inspectorate:
RSPCA Inspectors patrol Victoria, investigating complaints
of cruelty and neglect to animals, inspecting
abattoirs, saleyards, markets, pet shops and areas where animals
are used for public entertainment.
Facts & Photos
In Victoria we currently have 16 inspectors investigating
cruelty complaints, prosecuting offenders and
inspecting pet
shops, farms, abattoirs and areas where animals are used for
public entertainment.
The Government provides $200,000 a year for the
inspectorate.

Legislation:
The Society conducts regular reviews of existing legislation and regulations
and makes recommendations
to the State Government concerning
the need for amendments, new laws or regulations and Codes of
Practice.
Animal Rescue:
The RSPCA Animal Welfare Centre provides sanctuary to about 40,000 animals
per year and its
ambulances collect sick and injured
stray animals throughout the metropolitan area. The service provides a
24 hour contact,
but after 6.00pm a telephone referral service determines genuine emergencies that are
attended by
ambulance and veterinarians. RSPCA District Shelters provide similar services for their
communities and
together receive nearly 20,000 animals a year.

Animal Clinic & Hospital:
Veterinarians employed by the Society treat and care for all rescued
animals. They provide assistance to
RSPCA District Shelters and the
Inspectorate, prepare animals for adoption, accept a number of welfare
cases, give discounts to pensioners
and provide a service to private clients. A desexing clinic for immature
dogs and cats (2-6 months) operates
each week day providing heavily discounted prices. Microchipping,
desexing and vaccination are
automatic for dogs being sold from RSPCA shelters.
Facts & Photos:
Our clinics employ 12 full-time veterinarians and a number of locum
veterinarians, and many volunteers.
On average over 170 surgical procedures and 200 consultations are performed
each week.
Education:
RSPCA Education is a dynamic enterprise that develops responsible and caring
behaviour towards
animals. Featuring a remarkable
collection of animals, state-of-the art technology and interactive learning
resources, RSPCA Education provides
engaging learning opportunities for people of all ages.
What does RSPCA Education offer?
The Education Centre at RSPCA Headquarters in Burwood East offers students a
wide range of learning
experiences. The rustic barn is
stocked with a selection of pets and farm animals for children to handle or
observe up-close. The
state-of-the-art theatrette offers the benefits of DVD, video and on-line
technology,
broadcast on a screen that is four
metres long and three metres high. The gallery provides a venue in which
students engage in exploratory,
multi-sensory activities that contribute to the fulfilment of CSF learning
outcomes. The gallery also showcases
the history, challenges, achievements and aspirations of the
RSPCA.
All of the animals in the Barn are conditioned for close contact and are
displayed in a manner that places
their welfare as the highest priority.
Opportunities to visit the RSPCA’s Veterinary Clinic and Animal Shelter can
be arranged.
Community groups, pre-schools, schools and tertiary organisations can
arrange for RSPCA education staff
to visit them anywhere in Victoria.
RSPCA Regional Districts
RSPCA Victoria has 16 districts. Two in Melbourne and 14 throughout
Victoria.
Volunteers:
Volunteers are a very important part of the RSPCA. There are approximately
500 registered volunteers at
RSPCA Burwood East alone. They can
work in a variety of areas all over the organisation.
Events:
Events are held all over Victoria to raise awareness of animal welfare
issues, generate much needed funds
for the society. Come along and get
involved!
Our major annual events
include:
The Million Paws Walk
All Creatures Day
World Animal Day Gala Evening.

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