Commemorating 150 Years

The first RSPCA forms in London.

Following a public meeting to discuss the welfare of horses, a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was formed in Victoria with just a handful of members. Its first President is prominent Australian, and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sir William Foster Stawell.

SPCA NSW forms following a significant public push for a welfare organisation. The Society’s first president is a former Chief Justice of NSW.

SPCA South Australia forms in Adelaide and is the collaborative effort of politicians, public officials and members of Christian and Jewish religious groups.

SPCA Tasmania is formed by a group of concerned citizens who call themselves ‘animal protectionists’

SPCA Queensland had an initial inception in 1876. It folded but re-opened with greater support in 1883.

SPCA Western Australia is formed by an all-women's reading group, with the initiative led by female teacher, Miss Best.

The royal imprimatur is bestowed on SPCA WA by King George V - the first society outside the United Kingdom to have this honour. In coming decades, other states will follow.

RSPCA ACT forms.

RSPCA Northern Territory forms.

An informal meeting of all Societies takes place in Melbourne. From this, Societies agree to meet once every two years, on a rotational basis, to discuss mutual problems. Despite this, the occurrence of meetings comes down to the enthusiasm of the host Society.

The eight RSPCA Societies meet in Melbourne and agree unanimously to form a properly constituted national Society, to speak with one voice of policy matters and to offer advice to the Federal Government on national animal welfare issues.

Following this, the first meeting of RSPCA Australia is held, formally constituted in the ACT under the requirements of the then Companies Act. The foundation membership of RSPCA Australia is limited to the existing eight RSPCA Societies, being ACT, Victoria, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is established, Australia’s leading independent certification scheme focused on animal welfare.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition begins supporting the RSPCA by feeding dogs and cats.

RSPCA Darwin Regional Branch applies and is accepted as a member Society of RSPCA Australia, to replace RSPCA NT.

RSPCA Pet Insurance forms.

The RSPCA commemorates its 150th anniversary.