Throughout our history we’ve accomplished far too much to list here and we’ve still got a long way to go before we reach our mission. But, take a look at some of the things you’ve helped us achieve recently, and feel inspired to help us do more!

Hereford cow laying down © istock photolibrary

Taking the bull by the horns

Economic challenges for our charity

It’s been a tough financial year for everybody. Sadly this has often resulted in more cases of neglect and abandonment as people struggle to cope.

 

Fostered young horse Charmer © Joe Murphy/RSPCA photolibrary

We’ve taken the bull by the horns, launching fantastic interactive resources to help shape attitudes of the next generation of pet owners.


In 2011, we found homes for 244 horses and, thanks to our recent horse fostering appeal, twice as many horses are being cared for by horse fosterers until they can find permanent homes. This means we have more room in our centres for horses in need.


Maintaining welfare standards

In some cases our achievements have been to simply not let things slip.


We had to fight hard to maintain standards for lab animals in the UK when new legislation, which improved the lives of animals used in research across Europe, threatened to weaken laws at home.
 

Escalating costs at the supermarket challenged consumer choices at the supermarket. Yet, in 2011 389 million farmed animals were reared under our higher welfare scheme, Freedom Food.

 

Hettie the hen talking about Freedom Food eggs © RSPCA

And recently, thanks to increased awareness, free-range egg consumption passed the 50 per cent mark for the first time - a huge victory!

 

Tackling animal cruelty

Rescue dog Maggie May with RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson © Philip Toscano / RSPCA Photolibrary

We’re still tackling neglect and cruelty - we always will. One of the most shocking recent cases was that of Maggie May


At just six months old Maggie May's neck was broken, she’d been stabbed with a potato peeler and her leg was badly damaged. Everyone is delighted that Maggie May is now fighting fit, and her abusers were successfully prosecuted.
 

Remember Anne the last circus Elephant?

2011 saw Anne pack her trunk and say goodbye to the circus. Sadly, despite government promises we’ve yet to see a complete ban on wild animals used in circuses, but we’re still fighting for The Big Stop.


Looking to the future

The RSPCA Pledges logo © RSPCA

We’ve made five pledges to improve the lives of millions of more animals over the next five years.

However we are a charity, and are reliant on your support, so please take one action today and help us make the next year just as successful as the last.


Thank you. We couldn't do all of this without you.