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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 (Victoria) 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.