RSPCA celebrates 200th anniversary as world's oldest animal welfare charity

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (also known as RSPCA) has been rescuing animals for the last 200 years, officially marking its anniversary at the weekend.

An incredible milestone, which was made even more special as the UK-based non-profit association was officially recognized as the oldest animal welfare charity in the world. 

Guinness World Records Adjudicator Pravin Patel, present at the ceremony for the 200th anniversary, explained that the record is measured by the date the animal welfare charity was officially established as a charitable organization, and it is defined as "an organization created to support and fundraise for animal rescue, welfare and preservation".

The charitable institution was founded in 1824 in the Old Slaughter Coffee House in St Martin’s Lane, in the beating heart of London. 

Starting off with 22 members and initially called the "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals," the organization has grown exponentially ever since. 

In 1840, five years after becoming a patron in 1835 as Princess Victoria, Queen Victoria added her royal seal of approval to the charity's endeavours and gave it royal status. 

On that occasion, it was officially dubbed RSPCA and remains, to this day, under the patronage of His Majesty the King.

Through different historical moments and facing different challenges, the RSPCA has been aiding animals non-stop for two centuries – inspiring society to collaborate for a better world, challenging unfair laws, battling animal cruelty and advocating for animal rights. 

Today, its many branches and duties include rescue and rehabilitation, handling cases of neglect and helping pet owners with their four-legged companions.

Every day, a huge crowd of volunteers, employees, patrons and supporters strive to make the world a better place for all pets. 

The non-profit foundation has made a huge difference, changing over 400 unfair laws (including, but not limited to, the 1911 Protection of Animals Act against mistreatment and the 2006 Animal Welfare Act, ensuring the well-being of all animals and providing helpful guidelines). 

One of their most recent successes, joining forces with the Compassion in World Farming and Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE), was the ban on Live Exports in May 2024: an incredible milestone for farmed animals.

GWR's Pravin handed the certificate to the RSPCA staff during a special ceremony at the RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital in London. 

Together with the organization, Guinness World Records celebrates and recognizes two centuries of continuous efforts to rally humanity to create a better world for every creature. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here to present the certificate for the oldest animal welfare charity,” Pravin declared after the ceremony.

“It’s a huge honour to receive this world record on behalf of everyone at the RSPCA to mark our landmark birthday,” responded RSPCA Chief Executive Chris Sherwood upon receiving the accolade. 

We have been changing behaviours, attitudes, laws and changing animals’ lives for 200 years now but we know the challenges facing them are bigger than ever.  - Chris Sherwood

“The UK is a nation of animal lovers – and it’s hard to think of anything that embodies that affection more than the RSPCA,” added Adam Millward, Managing Editor of Guinness World Records.

“The world has changed a lot in 200 years but some things endure," Adam continues, celebrating the organization's commitment to animal rights. "The RSPCA’s resolve to help animals in need – and bring those that harm them to justice – remains as steely now in 2024 as it was in 1824.”

But their constant efforts don't only focus on rescuing, rehoming and rehabilitating strays and pets in need. 

Every day, the RSPCA also aids struggling pet owners, sustaining them through a network of 150 food banks, which "has given out more than 1.7 million meals to needy pets."

For two centuries, this charity has been at the vanguard of championing the rights of those that cannot defend themselves, so we’re delighted to recognize their milestone bicentennial anniversary now and in the upcoming Guinness World Records 2025 book. – Adam Millward

To celebrate this milestone, the RSPCA is asking the public to join forces and collaborate in their Million-strong Movement: a celebration and fundraising campaign focused on creating a paw-sitive world for our four-legged friends.

Alongside frontline rescue work, the RSPCA continues to educate society (as well as the pet owners of tomorrow) while campaigning for better lives for animals - especially the species that are greatly exploited and unfairly mistreated. 

They also offer vet clinics and dedicated hospitals across the UK. 

During the organization's 200-year history, it has been a driving force in outlawing harsh practices, including bear and bull baiting, and pressing for legislation such as the 2006 Animal Welfare Act. In 2022, the RSPCA handled 68,500 reported incidents of neglect and cruelty. In the words of Guinness World Records, you’re officially amazing. - Pravin 

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