THE RSPCA has revealed that it has found loving new homes for more than 15,000 animals in a decade inHampshire, with the remarkable rehoming feat revealed to mark its 200th birthday in 2024.
The charity has come a long way since 1824 – when founding members of the charity met in a coffee shop in London determined to change animals’ lives, creating the then SPCA and sparking an animal welfare movement that spread around the world.
Now – as the RSPCA enters its landmark 200th anniversary year – the charity wants to inspire a one million strong movement for animals, as the charity aims to "create a better world for every animal".
Today Hampshire is served by a team of RSPCA rescuers who save animals and investigate cruelty while also offering welfare advice and help to pet owners in need.
READ MORE: RSPCA facing biggest rehoming crisis in recent memory
The county is also home to independent RSPCA branches –Solent, Basingstoke and Andover Branch, Hants and Surrey Border, Bournemouth, New Forest & District, Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield, and national RSPCA centre Ashley Heath – who help rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals and help animals most in need in the area.
These separately registered charities raise money locally to support the animal welfare work they do.
The latest available figures show that in the ten years up until the end of 2022 new homes have been found for a staggering 15,898 animals in the county.
Additionally, they have helped pet owners in the county by providing:
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16, 448 neuters (to stop unwanted pregnancies and promote responsible ownership)
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11, 866 microchips – to help reunite lost pets with their owners
Nationally the charity has rehomed 405,839 pets in need of a new home since 2013 thanks to its network of 140 branches and animal centres across England and Wales - which equates to 111 animals every day.
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Also during that time 615,000 animals have been patients at the charity’s hospitals for anything from life-saving operations to welfare treatments and a staggering 1.7 million vet treatments have been carried out.
Throughout their history local RSPCA teams have helped thousands more animals in the county and are determined to carry on their amazing work as the RSPCA marks a new chapter – at a time when animals are facing bigger challenges than ever with the cost-of-living crisis.
To find out how you can join our million-strong movement for animals visit rspca.org.uk/200
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