As the RSPCA marks its 200th anniversary, the Wimbledon, Wandsworth & Sutton branch is celebrating its 62 years helping animals with a behind-the-scenes look at some amazing achievements thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers.
The world’s oldest animal welfare charity was formed 200 years ago this year after a small group of people met in a coffee shop determined to change animals’ lives and launched the SPCA on 16 June 1824. The charity was later given Royal patronage by Queen Victoria to become the RSPCA in 1840.
These 22 determined members – including MPs anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, Richard Martin as well as London vicar Arthur Broome – created an organisation that sparked a movement that spread around the world.
In 1962 back in Wimbledon, local like-minded people came together to support the needs of animals in the area, working closely with Putney Animal Hospital throughout the years, until the hospital’s closure in 2020.
The branch, based in South West London and parts of Surrey, has gone from strength to strength and in the last decade it has rehomed approximately 2000 cats, guinea pigs and rabbits.
Currently most cats are fostered by dedicated volunteers and there are also several foster homes for small furries including rabbits and guinea pigs.
Often animals that come into care have endured horrendous suffering and neglect and the fosterers role is key in helping them find a loving forever home.
The branch is funded by two charity shops and their eBay shop run by experienced volunteers and relies on the generous donations from members of the public.
In response to the cost of living crisis the branch also provides pet food and supplies to local food banks, has microchipped hundreds of owned cats at free microchipping events since the financial crisis took hold and has supported local pet owners with vital veterinary costs.
To mark its amazing history, Manager Laura Kennedy, has shared some of the achievements of the branch and some of the people who help support animals and people in the local community.
