Curious Cat Loses Ear (RSPCA)

Member Name: robinlawrie

Product:	RSPCA
Date:	17/07/01 (1793 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: read opinion

Disadvantages: read opinion

It has always been beyond my comprehension how anyone can cause suffering to an animal, and yet every day we hear of terrible instances of cruelty both here and abroad. It is simply not good enough to shake your head in sympathy and say that there is nothing that you can do about it. There is an organisation that cares enough to work unceasingly in the interests of helpless animals and it needs your help.

Formed in 1824 and originally called the SPCA; this was the world’s first ever anti-cruelty society. It was formed by Richard Martin and William Wilberforce five years before the formation of the police force. In its first year it was responsible for 149 convictions of cruelty to animals. Queen Victoria gave it the Royal seal of approval in 1840 and thus the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was formed.

Today’s RSPCA has 328 inspectors who investigate 100,000 complaints of cruelty every year in England and Wales, and every effort is made to bring the perpetrators of cruelty to justice. The inspectors also take part in thousands of rescues, visit establishments, and arrange collections of homeless animals.

Every year the RSPCA treats over 270,000 animals, from homes or the wild, and find new homes for almost 80,000 homeless pets. Last year they dealt with 1.5 million calls from the public. The society encourages responsible care of pets and works to protect farm and wild animals through education professionals working in schools.

The RSPCA campaigns relentlessly in the UK and across the world for reforms and new laws, which will give animals greater protection. An emotive subject is that of animal research, which the society is continually monitoring.

Being a registered charity, the RSPCA receives no funding from the state or lottery aid. It relies totally on voluntary contributions from us Joe public. Supported by a voluntary network of 195 branches, the RSPCA requires
£60 million a year to meet running costs.

It has its website at www.rspca.com. Please visit and see if there is some way you can help. Here is a little of what you will find.

The website is jam-packed with information about the RSPCA. The title of this op “Curious Cat Loses Ear” is explained here under:

•News
This button gives news stories which are updated daily, one of which is about Tyser the tabby who had accidentally become wedged against the exhaust system of her owners’ car. Other articles offer currant advice during the foot and mouth crisis, to both farmers and the general public. On the particular day that I checked, details of the Queens speech pertaining to fox hunting were reported.

•Campaigns
The fight against fox hunting is only one of the RSPCA’s current fights, details of which are found by clicking the campaign button. Here are also to be found many other campaigns that the RSPCA is actively involved in such as whaling, live animal transport and the testing of cosmetics on animals. Did you know for instance that In Europe alone, around 38,000 animals are still suffering in experiments every year to develop and test new cosmetic ingredients and products? Details of how you can complain, who to complain to, along with tips on what to say are given here.

•Animal Advice
This has masses and masses of help and advice on the keeping of animals, regardless of whether you have a ferret or a stick insect. Pet insurance is covered here along with neutering, micro chipping, worms, fleas and even grieving over a loved pet. If you want a pet but don’t fancy the responsibility, why not adopt a cyber pet. A quick download available free here and you are ready to name him/her/it and no vets bills looming.

•Donations
As mentioned earlier, the RSPCA relies entirely on donations from the public. He
re it explains the funding and how you can send donations to them in various ways or sign up to their credit card, which is possibly the easiest way to help.

•Membership
You can become a friend of the RSPCA for as little as £3 a month, or a national member for £17.50 a year. RSPCA Friends and national members can also join a local branch. There are 195 volunteer branches throughout the country, which campaign for the RSPCA as well as raise funds and carry out practical animal welfare work.

•Kids stuff
All children love animals and this section is great for the kids, with games and details of how to help the RSPCA by joining a junior club. There are also prizes to be won and more details on the cyber pet mentioned above.

•Education
This section explains how the RSPCA “encourages and supports animal welfare education for students, teachers and youth organizations across the country.” It offers advice on many subjects including classroom pets, and tips and advice on forming a school wildlife garden.

What about a quiz to test you knowledge of pets? A lovely FREE screensaver of a fox and cubs? A shop where you can help by buying cards or gifts?

Why not actually join the RSPCA. On the site are details of employment which is currently on offer, along with the necessary qualifications and a description of the job.

At the very least please visit the site and see if there is anything in some way you can do to help the RSPCA in its ongoing fight against cruelty to animals.

If you need to contact the RSPCA to report an act of cruelty, neglect or your concern for the welfare of an animal, call the RSPCA's 24-hour hotline on 0870 55 55 999.

Summary: