We are the largest investor of Animal Care in Hull and East Riding and have been for 100 years. In 1938, our rescue centre on Clough Road was officially opened by Lady Atkinson, and we have continued to carry out our vital work on this site ever since.

1824

The SPCA was founded over 200 years ago at Old Slaughters Coffee House in London. Amongst its founders was Hull-born slave emancipator William Wilberforce MP.

1840
Back then we were the SPCA – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Royal patronage followed in 1837 and Queen Victoria gave permission to add the royal R in 1840, making us the RSPCA as we’re known worldwide today.

1903
The Hull and East Riding branch, an unincorporated charitable organisation founded in 1903, began their work as an independent charity.

1938
On Friday 25th March 1938, our rescue centre on Clough Road was officially opened by Lady Atkinson; we have continued to carry out our vital work on this site ever since.

1939 - 1945
The first manager of the branch, Sydney Coleman, had the very difficult task of overseeing the animal centre and assisting the local community throughout the Second World War. During the Hull Blitz when the bombs fell, the police would contact Mr Coleman to inform him of the worst hit areas of damage. He would go out laden with food for the victims of bombings. On three occasions he was buried in rubble and had to be dug out by civil defence workers. Mr Coleman was a dedicated manager for over 25 years and was awarded the RSPCA Silver Medal for his bravery.

1979
The Hull and East Riding Branch asked Hull City Council for planning permission to build a new cattery, replacing the old cages which had been in place for several decades.

1995
Due to the crumbling 1960s prefab buildings at the Clough Road site, the branch launched an appeal for £25,000 of funding to refurbish the centre.

2019
The £1m refurb is given the green light! After years and years of use, the old kennels had fallen into disrepair and had to be demolished. Hull City Council granted the planning application and work was set to begin in 2020!

2021
After months of redevelopment work, the Clough Road site reopens! The work included redeveloping the outdated kennel block, rabbit and ferret units, a refurbishment of the cattery and the building of a dedicated vet room.

2022
As the fuel and energy crisis hits in the UK, we are one step ahead of the game. Solar panels were fitted, meaning our huge energy bills were covered using all natural energy.

2024
Environmental – 1000 sapling trees and hedgerow planted.