The RSPCA has revealed that it has found loving new homes for more than 4,000 animals in a decade on the Isle of Wight , 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.
“Create a better world for every animal”
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 the Isle of Wight is served by RSPCA rescuers who save animals and investigate cruelty while also offering welfare advice and help to pet owners in need.
The county is also home to independent RSPCA branch – RSPCA Isle of Wight Branch – who rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals. The separately registered charity raises money locally to support the animal welfare work they do.
Many will have endured horrendous suffering, but with the care of dedicated staff and volunteers they will be helped to recover before they are found loving homes.
New homes for more than 4,000 IW animals
The latest available figures show that in the ten years up until the end of 2022 new homes have been found for a staggering 4,126 animals in the county. Additionally they have helped pet owners in the county by providing:
- 1.671 neuters (to stop unwanted pregnancies and promote responsible ownership)
- 1,709 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.
More stats
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.
Animal neglect and abandonment is sadly at a three-year high. In 2023, the RSPCA received 72,050 reports about animal abandonment and neglect – higher than in 2022, 2021 and 2020.
Murphy: We are determined to rise to the challenge
Dermot Murphy (pictured at top of article), RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said,
“We have even more animals in need of help coming into our care – but at the same time rehoming has been declining sharply, meaning thousands fewer rescue pets are being adopted and our branches and centres are full to bursting.
“We are also faced with increased bills and less donations due to the cost of living crisis which is one of the biggest challenges facing animal welfare right now – and this economic hardship is continuing into our 200th anniversary year.
“But we are determined to rise to the challenge and help animals and pet owners who need us more than ever. That’s why we’re currently asking supporters to Join the Winter Rescue by donating to help our rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.
“Animals are now facing bigger challenges than ever as a result of factory farming, climate change, war and a cost of living crisis. In our 200th year we want to inspire one million people to join our movement to improve animals’ lives.
“We’ve been changing industries, laws, minds, and animals’ lives for 200 years. Together, there are actions, big and small, we can take to create a better world for every animal.”
To find out how you can join our million-strong movement for animals visit the website.
News shared by Suzanne on behalf of RSPCA. Ed
