Inspectorate
Our aim is to prevent cruelty. In most cases investigated by our inspectors, the welfare of the animals is improved by giving advice and education. This advice is followed by the majority of owners who only want the best for their animal.
Cruelty line facts
In 2024, our cruelty line received 907,797 calls from members of the public. That's the equivalent of:
Branches
We run 45 animal centres, providing care, rehabilitation and rehoming for the most abused, neglected and abandoned animals in England and Wales. We have 139 'branches' across England and Wales and two branch trusts. Branches are separate charities but with ultimate responsibility to the national society at a legal level. These Branches, which are utterly invaluable to our work, run as separate entities and some have their own animal centres. Branches run 45 animal centres across the country in addition to the establishments above.
Volunteers
Myth-busting
We answer the truth about what we do, don't do and can't do!
People claim
We don't help enough animals and, it takes ages for us to arrive
A total of 61,000 complaints of alleged cruelty were investigated (and closed) in 2024. We have approximately 330 frontline rescuers some of whom are part-time. Each cover huge areas and inspectors drive 80 miles/day on average responding to reports.
People think
We don't care about stray dogs or cats
In 2024, our cruelty line received 907,797 calls from members of the public - the equivalent of receiving a call every 32 seconds. With this huge number of reports, we have to prioritise those animals in incidents of cruelty and neglect. Local Council dog wardens manage stray dogs and other charities help with stray cats.
People Think
We 'put to sleep' animals after they've been in your care for a certain number of days
Animals in our care are only euthanised on veterinary advice, or where we are legally obliged to do so. There are many animals in our care who have been waiting for forever homes for many months, sometimes even years! Could you give a rescued animal a forever home?
PEOPLE THINK
We don't care about wild animals
We have to prioritise the animals nobody else can help. Vets and wildlife rehabilitators can often help with injured wildlife when we're unable to. Last year our four national wildlife centres admitted more than 10,000 animals. Please note this number includes a few domestic/exotic species under 'admitted animals'.
PEOPLE THINK
We don't care about dogs being kept outdoors
Sadly it's not illegal to keep dogs outside if they have food, water and shelter - but this doesn't mean we don't care about them. We can only take action if the Animal Welfare Act is broken.
People claim
We don't remove animals from people quickly enough
We're a charity, not a law enforcer, so we don't have the right to remove an animal. The police along with a vet need to assess whether the Animal Welfare Act has been broken. We always do what we can, but our power is limited!
People think
We're Government-funded so don't need more money
We do not receive any Government funding. We're a charity and rely on public donations to fund and support our work. We rely on those leaving gifts in their wills and donations from our generous supporters to help us do what we do.
People think
We have too much money and don't spend enough on animal welfare
For every £1 given to us, 81p is spent on animal welfare, 1p is spent on governance and 18p is spent raising the next £1. It costs the RSPCA £152.5 million pounds a year to run and as a registered charity (with no shareholders) all money is put back into the day-to-day costs.
People think
We don't care about tethered horses
Unfortunately, the Animal Welfare Act permits the tethering of horses, though we don't necessarily agree with it. We try to educate owners about why this isn't good for a horse's welfare. This often resolves the issue without any need for further action.
Help us make a difference for animals
Become a volunteer
As a volunteer, you could do anything from walking dogs to lending your professional skills - and everything in between. You’ll play a huge role in improving the lives of animals too.
Sponsor a cat or dog
Our amazing sponsors help us provide vital veterinary treatment, food, shelter and care. Find out how you can help a cat or dog the happy, healthy and loving future they deserve.