This year marks another chapter in the long history of the RSPCA Oxfordshire, an organisation that has been at the forefront of animal welfare since its inception 150 years ago.
A recent visit to the Oxford History Museum has revealed fascinating records of our beginnings, including the first meetings, early subscribers, and some of the first prosecutions for animal cruelty.
The Early Days: Meetings and Subscribers
The very first meeting of subscribers to the Oxfordshire branch of the RSPCA was held on the 3rd of February 1875, with the first public meeting following shortly after, on the 18th of February 1875, at the Oxford Town Hall. These gatherings laid the foundation for what would become a crucial institution in the fight against cruelty to animals.
Among the early supporters was one particularly famous name—Reverend C. L. Dodgson, better known to the world as Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Records show that Dodgson became a subscriber in 1876 and continued to support the organisation up until his death in 1898. The annual report of the RSPCA Oxfordshire described him as “a man of true and tender heart, who had no less care for the well-being of dumb animals than for the happiness of children.” His involvement is a testament to his deep compassion, extending beyond literature into the realm of social and ethical causes.
Early Prosecutions and Fines
The records from 1875 also highlight some of the earliest cases of animal cruelty prosecuted by the Oxfordshire branch. These included cases of horse abuse, dog and cat mistreatment, and even instances of extreme neglect involving donkeys and sheep. Some notable examples include:
- A coal merchant in Banbury fined for causing a horse to work in a lame state (£0.6s.6d).
- A shepherd in Great Haseley sentenced to 10 days in prison for beating and stabbing a dog to death.
- A butcher in Summertown fined for tying sheep with their legs bound for 23 hours (£2.11s.10d).
- A carpenter in Oxford fined for participating in the torture of a cat (£0.2s.6d).
- A jockey and a group of men in Iffley sentenced to hard labour for excessively beating a horse with a broken leg.
These cases serve as a sobering reminder of the harsh realities animals faced in the past and the importance of the RSPCA’s work in bringing about justice and change.
The Financial Records: A Community Effort
The balance sheet from 1875 shows how the organisation was funded by the generosity of local subscribers, legacies, and fundraising events. Notably, a concert held on November 30th, 1875, raised £19.1s.1d, a significant sum at the time. The funds were used for advocacy, legal costs, and educational efforts to promote kindness towards animals.
RSPCA Oxfordshire’s 1963 Gift to the Bombay SPCA
Throughout its long history, RSPCA Oxfordshire has not only championed animal welfare locally but has also extended its compassion beyond the UK. One remarkable example of this came in 1963 when a dedicated subscriber, Mrs Packer, suggested that the branch support an animal charity overseas. This idea led to an extraordinary act of generosity – the purchase and donation of a mobile clinic van to the Bombay SPCA.
A Van for Animal Welfare in India
Mrs Packer’s vision was embraced by the Oxfordshire branch, and they committed to funding a van to be used as a mobile veterinary clinic for the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). This donation aimed to provide much-needed care to sick and injured animals in Bombay (now Mumbai), where veterinary resources were limited.
Photos and a letter from the Bombay SPCA at the time express their deep gratitude for the donation, highlighting how the van played a crucial role in reaching animals that otherwise would have suffered without treatment.
The Bombay SPCA: Then and Now
The BSPCA was established in the 19th century as part of a growing global movement inspired by the RSPCA’s work, which had been strengthened by the patronage of Queen Victoria in 1835. Over the years, it became a vital institution for animal welfare in India, operating shelters, rescue services, and veterinary care.
However, in 2020, the Indian government restructured the role of SPCA organisations, transferring responsibilities from NGOs and animal welfare charities to state authorities. Since then, the Bombay SPCA has ceased functioning in its previous capacity and now operates as The Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals, focusing exclusively on treating sick and injured animals.
Interestingly, their ambulance service remains active – though we certainly hope it isn’t still the same van from 1963!
Continuing the Spirit of Giving
The 1963 donation to the Bombay SPCA remains a testament to the far-reaching impact of RSPCA Oxfordshire’s dedication to animal welfare. It is a reminder that our branch has always been willing to go the extra mile – whether locally or across the world – to help animals in need.
Today, as a self-funded branch, we continue to rely on the generosity of our supporters to make a difference. While our focus remains on animals in Oxfordshire, we carry forward the same spirit of compassion that led to this remarkable act of kindness over 60 years ago.
A Lasting Impact
From its earliest days, RSPCA Oxfordshire has been a pioneer in animal welfare, advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. The support of influential figures like Lewis Carroll, combined with the dedication of local subscribers, helped shape the organisation into the force for good it remains today.
As we reflect on our history, we honour the efforts of those who came before us and reaffirm our commitment to protecting and improving the lives of animals across Oxfordshire and beyond.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to RSPCA Oxfordshire over the past 150 years. It is through the dedication of our supporters, volunteers, and donors that we have been able to continue our vital work.
However, as a self-funded branch, we remain in desperate need of further donations to sustain our efforts in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. If you would like to support us, please consider becoming a monthly donor – every contribution helps us make a difference.
