RSCPA celebrate helping 12,000 Greater Manchester animals on their 200th Birthday

Celebrating its 200th birthday in 2024, the RSPCA proudly announces the heartwarming achievement of rehoming over 12,000 animals in Greater Manchester over the past decade.

Originating in 1824, the charity has evolved from a London coffee shop meeting to a global force for animal welfare, sparking a movement that has transformed the lives of countless creatures.

As the RSPCA embarks on its landmark 200th year, it aspires to inspire a one-million-strong movement dedicated to creating a better world for every animal.

The RSPCAs 200th Birthday

In Greater Manchester, a dedicated team of RSPCA rescuers tirelessly work to save animals, investigate cruelty, and provide welfare advice to pet owners in need.

The region is also home to six independent RSPCA branches—RSPCA Bolton, RSPCA Bury, Oldham & District, RSPCA Manchester & Salford, RSPCA Rochdale & District, and RSPCA Tameside & Glossop, along with RSPCA Wigan, Leigh & District.

These branches play a vital role in rehabilitating and rehoming a diverse array of rescued animals, ranging from cats and dogs to small furries like hamsters and guinea pigs.

Despite the harrowing suffering many animals have endured, the compassionate care of dedicated staff and volunteers facilitates their recovery, ensuring they find loving homes. Over the past decade, these centres have found new homes for an astounding 12,210 animals in Greater Manchester.

Additionally, they have contributed to the well-being of pet owners by providing 19,045 neuters to prevent unwanted pregnancies and promote responsible ownership, along with 18,818 microchips to reunite lost pets with their owners.

What the RSPCA Do

On a national scale, the RSPCA has re-homed 405,839 pets in need since 2013, with a network of 140 branches and animal centres across England and Wales, amounting to 111 animals finding new homes every day.

During this time, 615,000 animals have received treatment at the charity’s hospitals, ranging from life-saving operations to welfare treatments, and a staggering 1.7 million vet treatments have been administered.

However, the RSPCA faces increasing challenges, with animal neglect and abandonment reaching a three-year high. In 2023 alone, the charity received 72,050 reports about animal abandonment and neglect, surpassing the numbers from the previous three years.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA Inspectorate Commissioner, emphasises the urgency of the situation, stating, “We have even more animals in need of help coming into our care, but rehoming has been declining sharply, leaving our branches and centers full. The cost-of-living crisis compounds our challenges, leading to increased bills and fewer donations.”

Despite these hurdles, the RSPCA is determined to rise to the occasion and continue its vital work. As the charity marks its 200th year, it urges supporters to Join the Winter Rescue by donating to assist rescue teams in reaching the thousands of animals in desperate need.

Dermot Murphy underscores the significance of collective action in these challenging times, saying, “In our 200th year, we want to inspire one million people to join our movement to improve animals’ lives. Together, there are actions, big and small, we can take to create a better world for every animal.”

For those interested in joining the million-strong movement for animals, more information can be found on their website by clicking here