Annual Review

It's hard to believe that another year has gone by, but we are proud to say that during those 12 months, the RSPCA has achieved so much.

It would be impossible to cover every single event, but for us there are three things that stand out.

1. Demand for higher welfare poultry

The first is the growth in demand for higher welfare poultry. Following television programmes featuring Freedom Food at the beginning of the year, demand for higher welfare chicken has soared.

Thanks to celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, the plight of chickens and our tireless campaign work has been brought home to millions of households via Channel 4's Food Season Fortnight.

2. Our biggest flood rescue ever undertaken

Secondly, a special mention must go to all the vital rescue work that took place during the seemingly ever-present floods in 2008, including the biggest and most complicated animal rescue ever undertaken in Staffordshire.

3. Welfare of pedigree dogs

Also our high-profile stance on the issue of pedigree dogs following the transmission of Pedigree Dogs Exposed on the BBC. The RSPCA has become increasingly concerned about the health and welfare of pedigree dogs and it has been decided that, from 2009, we will no longer have a stand at Crufts.

And where would we be without our dedicated staff and volunteers.

Of course these are just three examples, and we must ensure that big events such as these do not mask the amazing work carried out every day by hundreds of dedicated staff in England and Wales, not to mention the many hundreds of volunteers that keep our branches running. Without all these dedicated people, there would be no RSPCA.

The economic climate - adapting to change

The last 12 months have been tough for everyone, and it would be impossible to look back over the year without mentioning the economic climate.

The RSPCA is far from immune to the effects of the credit crunch, which are likely to hit us in two ways - a decline in income coupled with an increase in demand for our help.

Thanks to careful budgeting and forward planning, we are fortunate to have generated a level of reserves that should help us during the coming months. However, we are going to have to work hard to make sure the RSPCA can rise to the challenges that undoubtedly lie ahead.

Striving to improve animal welfare

In 2009, we will be introducing a new trustee committee structure - its aim will be to produce a series of longterm strategic goals, which we are confident will help the Society to focus its resources to improve animal welfare even further.

Please take the time to read our review of 2008, if only to remind yourself of the good work we continue to do on your behalf, and on behalf of the animals.

Chief executive: Mark Watts
Council chairman: Daphne Harris

To request a printed copy of our Annual Review 2008, please call: 0300 1234 555, Monday - Friday 9am-5pm.

For more facts and full financial figures see the Trustees' report and accounts for 2008 (PDF 647KB).