Australia:RSPCA: 150 Years of Caring and Protecting

On 19 October 2021, Australia Post issued a set of stamps celebrating the establishment of the RSPCA.

In 2021, it is 150 years since the first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals opened its doors in Australia. Now known as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), this venerable organisation traces its roots to a public meeting held in Melbourne on 4 July 1871 to discuss the ill treatment of horses in Victoria - horses being, at a time, essential for the transportation of people and goods in the colony.

The focus of the RSPCA's work has broadened and changed since its beginning, to reflect the shifting historical landscape and our relationship to animals. Yet, some 150 years since its formation, the RSPCA maintains its founding vision of encouraging and compelling ethical, humane and responsible practices in our varied interactions with animals.

Issue Description
Australia's first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was formed following a public meeting, on 4 July 1871, at the Mechanics' Institute, Melbourne, to discuss the ill treatment of working horses in Victoria and the need for a society to prevent animal cruelty.

Following the society's establishment in Victoria, other Australian colonies followed suit over the next two decades, with New South Wales founding its society in 1873, South Australia in 1875, Tasmania in 1878, Queensland in 1883 and Western Australia in 1892. The Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory formed their societies in the mid-20th century, in 1955 and 1965 respectively. A royal warrant was received in 1923, when the various societies became known as the Royal Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

In 1980, it was agreed that the RSPCA had to become a national organisation, to speak with one voice on policy matters and to offer advice to the federal government on national animal welfare issues. The new organisation was named RSPCA Australia.

Issue Details
While the national organisation was technically formed in 1980, this stamp issue commemorates the founding of the movement for the prevention of cruelty to animals, recognising 150 years of caring for and protecting animals in Australia. The stamps represent five key aspects of the RSPCA's mission and practice: research, shelter, protection, certification and advocacy. Together, the five stamp designs indicate the breadth of the RSPCA's work across the domains of companion animals, livestock, animals in sport, recreation and industry, and wildlife.

Stamps
Research (AU$ 1.10)

A science-based approach to animal welfare and human impact on our non-human companions underpins the work of the RSPCA. Research ranges over wildlife conservation; sporting, entertainment and agri-business practices; and use of animals in scientific experiments and product testing. The RSPCA's quarterly publication Science Update is a forum for sharing such research, as is its online Knowledgebase.

Shelter (AU$ 1.10)

Every year, unwanted and neglected pets enter the care of the RSPCA's state- and territory-based member societies, as do injured wild animals. Some animals are reclaimed and, sadly, some euthanised, although a great number are also sheltered and rehabilitated before being rehomed with new carers through fostering and adoption programs. While neglect numbers are thankfully trending downwards, an essential part of this care work is to educate individuals on responsible pet ownership and to promote the principles of good pet care, fundamental strategies that support this downward trend.

Protection (AU$ 1.10)

Perhaps the most high-profile aspect of the RSPCA's mission is protection of animals through the inspectorate arm of each member society, which enforces state and territory legislation against animal cruelty. Depending on the state or territory, inspectors have the power to enter property to investigate claims of cruelty (physical and psychological violence, neglect and lack of welfare), to seize evidence of cruelty, including the animals, to issue directions/notices and on-the-spot fines, and to initiate prosecutions against perpetrators of cruelty. The majority of cases are addressed through less punitive measures, with education and advice being the preferred tools for resolving allegations and fostering a culture of responsible animal ownership.

Certification (AU$ 1.10)

The Approved Farming Scheme was established by the RSPCA in 1996, as a form of independent accreditation providing for high standards of animal welfare in farming, informed by evidence-based science. Working closely with farmers, the RSPCA ensures that animals raised for human consumption are provided with environments that meet their species-specific needs and encourage them to express natural behaviours within a viable commercial context. Turkeys, hens, pigs, calves and salmon are among the animals that benefit from this scheme, and around 2.5 billion animals have lived better lives since it was introduced.

Advocacy (AU$ 1.10)

Advocacy is a significant part of the RSPCA's work, particularly with stakeholders in government and certain industries, to establish and evolve guidelines, policies and legislation that benefit animals. Campaigns that raise public awareness of animal welfare issues are thus an important aspect of work that leads to compliance and change. For example, the campaigns against excessive use of whips in horse racing and the post-retirement treatment of racehorses and greyhounds have led to more regulated sectors and to good outcomes for individual animals.

Minisheet
The RSPCA: 150 Years of Caring and Protecting Minisheet consists of the five stamps from the issue incorporated into a Miniature Stamp Sheet.

First Day Covers
The first First Day Cover is a pictorial envelope with the five gummed stamps from the RSPCA: 150 Years of Caring and Protecting stamp issue affixed and postmarked - First day of issue | 19 October 2021 | Burwood East VIC 3151.

The second First Day Cover is a pictorial envelope with the five Self-Adhesive stamps taken from the Roll of 100 stamps from the RSPCA: 150 Years of Caring and Protecting stamp issue affixed and postmarked - First day of issue | 19 October 2021 | Burwood East VIC 3151.

The third First Day Cover is a pictorial envelope with the Minisheet from the RSPCA: 150 Years of Caring and Protecting stamp issue affixed and postmarked - First day of issue | 19 October 2021 | Burwood East VIC 3151.

Envelope sizes: 190mm x 110mm.

Maxi Cards
This Maxicard set contains the five Maxicards (one for each stamp in the issue) from the RSPCA: 150 Years of Caring and Protecting stamp issue.

A Maxicard is a prepaid postcard with a stamp affixed and postmarked on the view side. The subject matter of a Maxicard is common to the card, stamp and postmark.

Booklets
Each of the stamps from the RSPCA: 150 Years of Caring and Protecting stamp issue is also available in Chequebooks of 200.

Gutter Strips
Each Gutter Strip consists of 10 x $1.10 of each of the stamps from the RSPCA: 150 Years of Caring and Protecting stamp issue, five on either side of the strip containing the "Traffic lights" in separating the two panes of a stamp sheet.