The RSPCA, as it is now known, was the first charitable organisation in the world concerned with animal welfare when it was established in 1824. Its 22 founders included the MPs William Wilberforce and Richard Martin, and Reverend Arthur Broome. Two years previously, supported by the Parliamentary legislation that Richard Martin had helped to push through, and which was known as 'Martin's Act', Bill Burns had become the first person to be convicted of animal cruelty, for beating his donkey. The initial focus of the Society was on the plight of working animals, such as pit ponies. In 1837 it received the patronage of Queen Victoria, and from 1840 was able to add the epithet 'Royal' to its title.
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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals founded". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 30 August 2013 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=4608, accessed 23 November 2024.]
