RSPCA Australia: Difference between revisions
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== History == |
== History == |
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The first meeting of the RSPCA was held in February 1981. During 1980, two meetings were held to determine the formation of a national RSPCA body. The objective of RSPCA Australia is to provide a national presence for the RSPCA movement and to promote unity and a commonality of purpose between the state and territory based |
The first meeting of the RSPCA was held in February 1981. During 1980, two meetings were held to determine the formation of a national RSPCA body. The objective of RSPCA Australia is to provide a national presence for the RSPCA movement and to promote unity and a commonality of purpose between the state and territory based bogdies. |
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The Australian based RSPCA societies owe their origins to the [[Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals|SPCA]] movement in the [[United Kingdom]]. Although no formal link exists between the RSPCA in both countries it is the UK experience that lead to the formation of societies in the Australian colonies. |
The Australian based RSPCA societies owe their origins to the [[Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals|SPCA]] movement in the [[United Kingdom]]. Although no formal link exists between the RSPCA in both countries it is the UK experience that lead to the formation of societies in the Australian colonies. |
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Revision as of 00:38, 10 August 2010
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| File:RSPCA-brand.svg | |
| Formation | 1981 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters |  Deakin, Australian Capital Territory |
President | Lynne Bradshaw |
| Website | www.rspca.org.au |
RSPCA Australia (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is an Australian organisation that promotes animal welfare. It is funded in part by the Australian Government but relies on corporate sponsorship, fundraising events and voluntary donations for its income.
RSPCA Australia defines its purpose as being the leading authority in animal care and protection, and to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.[1]
RSPCA Inspectors are Special Constables, and often attend prosecutions of animal mutilators and abusers. Being Special Constables means that Australian RSPCA Inspectors are also police officers with full police powers.
History
The first meeting of the RSPCA was held in February 1981. During 1980, two meetings were held to determine the formation of a national RSPCA body. The objective of RSPCA Australia is to provide a national presence for the RSPCA movement and to promote unity and a commonality of purpose between the state and territory based bogdies.
The Australian based RSPCA societies owe their origins to the SPCA movement in the United Kingdom. Although no formal link exists between the RSPCA in both countries it is the UK experience that lead to the formation of societies in the Australian colonies.
The first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Australia was formed in the colony of Victoria in 1871. This was followed by Tasmania in 1872; New South Wales in 1873; South Australia in 1875; Queensland in 1883; Western Australia in 1892; Australian Capital Territory in 1955 and Northern Territory in 1965.
The Royal Warrant was given to all the SPCAs in 1956.
The national Council of RSPCA Australia meet three times a year. Each affiliate RSPCA has two members on the national Council. The Council meets to formulate new policies and offer advice to government and industry bodies on animal welfare issues.
Mission statement
The objectives of the Society are:
- To prevent cruelty to animals by enforcing the existing laws.
- To procure the passage of such amending or new legislation as is necessary for the protection of animals.
- To sustain an intelligent public opinion regarding animal welfare.
- To take whatsoever steps are necessary to educate the community with regard to the humane treatment of animals.
- To diffuse information about the care, protection and treatment of animals by publishing and circulating literature and conducting lectures, seminars and competitions.
- To conduct, manage, operate or encourage clinics, hospitals, homes or shelters for the care, treatment, maintenance and protection of animals, and to acquire and conduct ambulance and/or other means of relevant animal transport.
Criticism
The RSPCA has received severe criticism over its handling of several cases especially when its officers kill 48 cattle on a Pilliga, New South Wales district property in June 2008. Some of the cows that were shot left motherless calves. A Walgett veterinarian, Dr Enid Coupé gave evidence that blood tests from the cattle indicated levels of the protein albumin and globulin were within normal levels and did not indicate starvation.[2] [3]
In another controversial case RSPCA inspectors raided a wildlife park in Gunnedah, New South Wales where they seized and sedated eight koalas before taking them to Port Macquarie, New South Wales. Also present was a camera crew from Seven Network’s show RSPCA Animal Rescue who captured footage of the seizure. Waterways Wildlife Park had an Improvement notice issued to them, but the RSPCA has failed to indicate what the problem is. The NSW Government has pledged up to $5,000, in addition to the tens of thousands of dollars already contributed, to support the park and plan for its future.[4]
The RSPCA has since killed one of the seized animals.[5]
References
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2009) |
- ^ "Mission". RSPCA Australia. Retrieved 2009-01-19.
- ^ NDL: ‘’Downey case: Vet says blood tests don't lie’’ by Simon Chamberlain., 21 Oct, 2008 09:00 AM, Rural Press, Tamworth Retrieved 2010-2-27
- ^ SMH: ‘’RSPCA investigated over legals’’, by Lisa Carty, January 23, 2009 Retrieved 2010-2-27
- ^ Ferguson, Alysia, Koala Park issued with improvement notice, but ... RSPCA fails to explain breach, p.1 Northern Daily Leader, 24 February 2010, Rural Press, Tamworth, NSW
- ^ Port Macquarie News, ‘’Fur flies in koala tug-o-war’’ Retrieved 2010-2-27