What We Do

RSPCA helps protect  animals in Australia. Animals who are sick, injured, lost, abused or simply abandoned. We are the only charity with the power to protect all animals including prosecuting people under the states and territories Animal Welfare Acts. 

The letters RSPCA represent Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

RSPCA works with the community to help protect animals in five key ways:

Prevent Cruelty & Educate
RSPCA believes that engaging, educating and building relationships with our communities is key to improving animal welfare in Australia. Like you, we want everyone to know how to look after their animals and give them the love and respect they deserve. 

Animal Rescue
Our RSPCA Inspectorsand rescue teams work on the front line every day, rescuing animals who have been in an accident, abused, neglected, abandoned or caught up in natural disaster. 

Rehabilitate
Our RSPCA Shelters, animal hospitals and co-operating vet clinics are the first stop for all animals that come into RSPCA care. Here we provide essential care and medical treatment to animals that are sick and injured, as well as routine health checks, vaccinations, microchips and desexing. 

Shelter, Rehome & Reunite 
We provide a safe haven for sick, injured, abandoned and abused animals. We give them love, care and a roof over their heads until we can find them a new forever home. 

Seek Justice
RSPCA is the only charity with the legal powers to help animals in need and bring animal offenders to justice. 

Our Mission

To prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.

Our Vision

To be the leading authority in animal care and protection.

Our Objectives

The objectives of the RSPCA in Australia are:

• To prevent cruelty to animals by ensuring the enforcement of existing laws at federal and state level.
• To procure the passage of such amending or new legislation as is necessary for the protection of animals.
• To develop and promote policies for the humane treatment of animals that reflect contemporary values and scientific knowledge.
• To educate the community with regard to the humane treatment of animals.
• To engage with relevant stakeholders to improve animal welfare.
• To sustain an intelligent public opinion regarding animal welfare.
• To operate facilities for the care and protection of animals.

RSPCA began in England in the 19th century at a time of great animal use - and abuse. Animals were used to provide motive power (e.g. pit ponies and transport), farming and blood sports such as bull-baiting and cockfighting were common. 

The first law to protect animals was passed in 1822 after a long struggle by several people, including William Wilberforce and Richard Martin. 

In 1824 Rev Arthur Broome formed RSPCA in London. These three men, with others, proceeded to make many prosecutions for breaches of the new Act. The Society received royal patronage in 1840.

The RSPCA’s history dates back to 1871, when a public meeting to discuss the ill treatment of horses in Victoria led to the formation of Australia’s first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Following the establishment of a Society in Victoria, other states soon followed. They were:

• Tasmania in 1878;
• New South Wales in 1873;
• South Australia in 1875;
• Queensland in 1883; and
• Western Australia in 1892.

RSPCA ACT was formed in 1955 followed by the Northern Territory in 1965.

In 1923 the Societies were given the Royal Warrant, becoming known as the Royal Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

As a charity, RSPCA relies almost entirely on the generosity of the public to carry out their life-saving work. The majority of this income comes from donations, bequests, sponsorship and their own fundraising efforts.

Facilities vary throughout the country from very large complexes to a few enclosures in someone’s backyard. Even where large complexes exist, the society relies heavily on the work and assistance of volunteers.