The RSPCA celebrated its bicentenary anniversary this year, marking 200 years since a coffee shop meeting turned into a pledge to change the lives of animals.
Among the 22 determined members were anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, Colonel Richard Martin, and London vicar Arthur Broome.
Fast forward to this century, the Croydon-based South London branch was formed 46 years ago, and has rehomed 558 animals in the last decade alone, funded entirely by three charity shops and public donations.
Foster carer Priya Ramen is one of the team that provide temporary sanctuary to animals who aren’t quite ready to be rehomed.
Priya said: “I started fostering because it felt like a win-win situation of giving a safe space to a cat in need and at the same time having another furry feline around the house.
“Apart from the pure joy of pampering the fosters and getting them ready for their forever home, one of the best things about fostering is that I get to meet lovely people who unconditionally give the cats a second chance.”
Animals in foster care include those recovering from surgery, mums-to-be, orphaned youngsters, and animals whose previous owners are involved in ongoing legal investigations.
Benny came into the branch’s care late last year, in urgent need of a heart scan, eye surgery, and lots of dental work after years of neglect. His coat was also in bad condition as a result of malnutrition.
After nearly four months with the branch undergoing treatment, he learned to trust humans again, and was lovingly adopted in March 2024.
From cat cuddlers, to delivery drivers and fundraisers, the charity runs on the tireless efforts of volunteers.
Suzanne Nagle said: “I love volunteering for the active South London branch.
“Being a volunteer allows me to interact with like-minded people.
“I mainly do fundraising collections, and knowing that I’m collecting money for the branch to use locally for the welfare of animals that need our support is so rewarding.
Persephone was rescued from a balcony by the fire brigade and RSPCA inspectors after her owner locked her out and decided she no longer wanted her.
The rescue was successful, but RSPCA vets diagnosed Persephone with diabetes and pyometra – a painful uterine infection which can be fatal if left untreated.
After weeks of vet appointments and attempts to stabilise her insulin levels, and months of searching for the right home, Persephone was placed with an owner who has experience caring for diabetic cats.
She has been in her new home for close to a year now, and she is happy, healthy, and loving life.
In October 2023, a black stray – Beauty – and her four kittens were taken in after they were abandoned.
But while on their way to the vet for a post-spay check up, Beauty escaped her carrier and ran away.
Despite being microchipped and dressed in a striking post-surgery suit, Beauty was missing for four months, until an Islington vet called and told the centre that she was safely in their care.
She had turned up in the area and was taken in by a lady who later went on to adopt her, and Beauty hasn’t tried to escape since.
Branch Manager Jacqui Jackson said: “The RSPCA is getting more calls about abandoned animals, neglect is on the rise, and rehoming has been declining sharply – meaning thousands fewer rescue pets are being adopted – but more animals are coming into our care.
“We ask people to really consider rehoming a pet rather than buying one – together we can make the world a better place for animals.”
