Check out this snap shot of RSPCA Qld's rich history. These milestones have helped mould us into who we are today.
1824 - The first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is formed in London, largely as a result of agitation by a young Irish politician, Richard Marten, MP for County Galway, Ireland. Marten piloted the first anti-cruelty bill through parliament in 1822, giving cattle, horses, and sheep a small degree of legislative protection.
1840 - The Society’s work is held in such high regard that Queen Victoria gave her permission for the word “Royal” to be added to the Society’s title. Many years later, Queen Elizabeth II was to bestow a similar royal warrant on the Queensland Society.
1876 - The Queensland Society is first formed at a meeting in the Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall, Brisbane, on 11 September. Unfortunately, public interest is low and the Society folds.
1883 – The Society is reformed under the Presidency of the Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman A R Byram. The object of the Society is to “prevent, as far as possible, Cruelty to Animals; by enforcing, where practicable, the existing laws, and by procuring such further legislation as may be found expedient to obtain this object.” A paid Inspector, Mr Marlow, is appointed and in the year ending September 1884, 350 cautions are issued, mainly for ill-treatment of horses. Honorary Inspectors are also appointed, both in Brisbane and in other centres around the State.
1890 - The Constitution of the Society is amended to include protection for children and the Society changes its name to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty. The Society also actively campaigns for legislation to protect children, culminating in the passage of the Protection of Children Act in 1896. (Over the twentieth century, the Government gradually assumed a greater role in the protection of children and old people and the Society’s involvement declined until it finally ceased around 1970.)
1884 – Funding becomes a problem. A total of £106/0/6 is raised in public contributions. The Society also receives a Queensland Government subsidy of £100/0/0, as well as £18/17/8 from Police Court fines.
1901 - The Society takes a leading role in the move for more effective legislation to prevent cruelty to animals, culminating in the passage of the Animals Protection Act in 1901.
1920 - five acres of land at Yeronga is set aside as a Reserve for Refuge of Aged and Starving Horses and Lost and Strayed Dogs. The Reserve is under the control of F A Stimpson, J D Weinholt, W C Horstman, A H Whittingham, and A D Walsh. (This Reserve will become the site of the RSPCA headquarters and shelter at Fairfield.)
1925 - The Animals Protection Act is passed by the Queensland Parliament. Up until then, the Society had no legal standing and its officers no more authority than any other citizen. The new Act gives legal status to the Society and specific powers to its Inspectors.
1924-1925 - The annual intake of dogs at the Yeronga Refuge is 17.
1925 - The Society purchases a vehicle to aid in responding to calls and complaints more efficiently, and bring dogs back to the refuge. This sees the annual intake of dogs increase dramatically to 947 by 1928-1929. By the late 1920’s, cats are also accepted at the Refuge.
1951 - The annual intake of dogs and cats at the Refuge has increased to 9,241. Over time, extra accommodation and facilities are added so that all types of domestic pets, farm animals and wildlife can be accepted.