[3] The first successful passage of anti-cruelty legislation in the British parliament occurred in 1822 [4] under the direction of the Irish politician Richard Martin (1754-1834) who was nicknamed by King George IV as "Humanity Dick.
"[5] Around the same time that Martin was drafting his anti-cruelty Bill, the Reverend Arthur Broome (1779-1837) had letters published in periodicals in which he canvassed for expressions of interest in forming a voluntary organisation to promote animal welfare and oppose cruelty.
[6] The creation of voluntary groups that agitated for legal and social reform through the patronage of aristocrats, clergy and parliamentarians was not unusual in Broome's day, particularly in the case of the abolitionist or anti-slavery movement.
[8] It was at Broome's invitation that a number of social reformers gathered on 16 June 1824 at Old Slaughter's Coffee House, London to create a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Among the others who were present as founding members were Sir James Mackintosh MP, Richard Martin, William Wilberforce, Basil Montagu, John Ashley Warre, Rev.
[14]The journalist then referred to various acts of brutality that had been reported concerning a pig and a dog, and evidently believed that the anti-cruelty law of England also applied in NSW.
In 1837 a correspondent wrote to the Sydney Herald to complain about the non-existence of a colonial equivalent to England's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the paper echoed the sentiment that such an organisation was needed.
[17] Articles were sometimes published that referred back to past notable English characters, such as Sir Matthew Hale (1609-1676), who had made known their sentiments about opposing cruelty toward animals.
[25] An anonymous letter to the editor seeking expressions of interest to create an anti-cruelty organisation was published in the Sydney Morning Herald on 3 July 1873.
[28] On Monday 28 July 1873 it was announced at a committee meeting that the Society's first President would be the prominent Anglican Sir Alfred Stephen (1802-1894) who had served as the Third Chief Justice of NSW.
Also in attendance were several prominent public officials including Sir Saul Samuel (1820-1900) a Jewish community leader and parliamentarian, Mr E. Fosbery (Superintendent of Police), Rev.
[36] Women members in the local branches of the SPCA organised social community events to raise the profile of the charity and the problem of cruelty, which included annual dances, garden parties and fund-raising activities.
[37] The activities organised by the women's branch had, at times, to battle against apathy in the community and societal indifference concerning the problems of cruelty toward animals.
[47] RSPCA NSW has taken the position that the live export trade should be banned, that animals should not be kept in circuses, that puppy farms should be closed, and opposes the use of sow stalls.
Services include temporary foster accommodation or pet boarding in the event of an emergency, assistance with veterinary treatment, home visits and grooming, among others.
The program provides veterinary services and education to members of regional New South Wales communities including Bourke, Brewarrina, Collarenebri, Enngonia, Goodooga, Taree, Walgett, Weilmoringle and Wilcannia.
[57] In 2013, a 100-person vigil was held outside the RSPCA's Million Paws Walk in memory of Max the Pointer, who was put down for behavioural issues that the Justice4Max protest group claimed were unfounded.
Of the protest and ensuing criticism, RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said, "It would be unethical and socially irresponsible to re-home many of the animals that come through our doors.