Our history

1871

SPCA formed in Victoria

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.

1873

SPCA NSW forms

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

1875

SPCA SA forms

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

1878

SPCA formed in Tasmania

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

1883

SPCA Queensland re-opens

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

1920

SPCA becomes RSPCA

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.

1955

RSPCA ACT forms.

1965

RSPCA NT forms.

RSPCA Northern Territory forms.

1965

Meeting of all Societies

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.

1980

RSPCA Australia takes shape

By 1980 it was clear that the RSPCA movement had to become a national organisation to speak with one voice on policy matters, and to offer advice to the Federal government on national animal welfare issues. In May 1980 the eight RSPCA Societies met in Melbourne and agreed unanimously to form a properly constituted national Society.

The new organisation was named RSPCA Australia and formally constituted in the ACT under the requirements of the then Companies Act. Following this, the first meeting of RSPCA Australia was held in February 1981.

The foundation membership of RSPCA Australia was limited to the existing eight RSPCA Societies, being ACT, Victoria, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

1981

First meeting of RSPCA Australia

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.

1996

RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme begins

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

1998

RSPCA Darwin replaces NT

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

2002

RSPCA Pet Insurance is formed

RSPCA Pet Insurance forms.

2021

150 years of RSPCA

The RSPCA commemorates its 150th anniversary.

2024

RSPCA Darwin reconstituted as RSPCA Northern Territory

A special resolution passed at the RSPCA Darwin AGM which changed the name to RSPCA Northern Territory, effective 1 Jan 2024.

1955

1873

1965

1883

1875

1878

1871

1892

1871

SPCA formed in Victoria

1873

SPCA NSW forms

1875

SPCA SA forms

1878

SPCA formed in Tasmania

1883

SPCA Queensland re-opens

1920

SPCA becomes RSPCA

1955

RSPCA ACT forms.

1965

RSPCA NT forms.

1965

Meeting of all Societies

1980

RSPCA Australia takes shape

1981

First meeting of RSPCA Australia

1996

RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme begins

1998

RSPCA Darwin replaces NT

2002

RSPCA Pet Insurance is formed

2021

150 years of RSPCA

2024

RSPCA Darwin reconstituted as RSPCA Northern Territory

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