RSPCA Featured in Guinness World Records Book - Get Your Copy!
Record-Breaking Animal Welfare
We’re thrilled to have set a Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest animal welfare charity on our 200th birthday!
At London’s RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital, vets and staff received this special accolade from Guinness World Records adjudicator, Pravin Patel.
“It’s a huge honour to receive this world record on behalf of everyone at the RSPCA to mark our landmark birthday,” said our Chief Executive Chris Sherwood. “This is testament to the amazing work of our employees, volunteers, supporters and partners who do a fantastic job every day making a difference to animals."
Guinness World Records adjudicator Pravin Patel, RSPCA Chief Executive Chris Sherwood and the Finsbury Park Animal Hospital team receiving the world record.
Transforming Animals’ Lives For 200 Years
The RSPCA was founded at the Old Slaughter Coffee House in St Martin’s Lane in London when a small group of passionate people, including MP and anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, London vicar Arthur Broome and Irish MP Richard Martin met and formed the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Five years later, in 1840, Queen Victoria gave her royal seal of approval and it became the RSPCA, with His Majesty the King still the charity’s patron today.
Along with our partners, we’ve helped change more than 400 laws, including the 1911 Protection of Animals Act and the landmark 2006 Animal Welfare Act, as well as the ban on Live Exports in May 2024.
We’re really proud of our rich history but we can’t rest on these achievements. Animals today face some of the biggest obstacles in centuries - from climate change and habitat loss to rising living costs and post-pandemic effects. Now, more than ever, our mission is vital.
Buy the 70th edition of Guinness World Records 2025 on the RSPCA shop to celebrate 200 years of changing animals’ lives!
A Milestone Anniversary
Guinness World Records adjudicator, Pravin Patel said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here to present the certificate for the oldest animal welfare charity. The Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This record is measured by the date the animal charity was officially established as a charitable organisation, and it is defined as an organisation created to support and fundraise for animal rescue, welfare and preservation.
“During the organisation's 200 year history, it has been a driving force in outlawing harsh practices including bear and bull baiting, campaigning to stop the use of wild animals in entertainment, helping animals in services, and pressing for legislation such as 2006 this Animal Welfare Act. Today, its duties include rescue and rehabilitation, and investigating animal cruelty. And in 2022, the RSPCA handled 68,500 reported incidents of neglect and cruelty. In the words of Guinness World Records, you’re officially amazing.”
“The UK is a nation of animal lovers - and it’s hard to think of anything that embodies that affection more than the RSPCA,” agrees Adam Millward, Guinness World Records Managing Editor. “For two centuries, this charity has been at the vanguard of championing the rights of those that cannot defend themselves, so we’re delighted to recognize their milestone bicentennial anniversary now and in the upcoming Guinness World Records 2025 book. The world has changed a lot in 200 years but some things endure: the RSPCA’s resolve to help animals in need - and bring those that harm them to justice - remains as steely now in 2024 as it was in 1824.
You can now buy the 70th edition of Guinness World Records 2025 on the RSPCA shop, it makes a wonderful keepsake to celebrate 200 years of changing animals’ lives!
Chris Harris
eCommerce Manager, RSPCA