RSPCA South London branch looks back on 46 years of helping animals to mark the charity’s bicentenary

The RSPCA celebrated its bicentenary this year, marking 200 years since a coffee shop meeting turned into a commitment to changing the lives of animals.

Among the 22 committed members were the anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, Colonel Richard Martin and the London vicar Arthur Broome.

Fast forward this century, the South London branch in Croydon was established 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 provides temporary shelter to animals that are not quite ready to be rehomed.

Priya said, “I started adopting because I felt it was a win-win situation to provide a safe space for a cat in need and at the same time have another furry feline around the house.

“Besides the sheer joy of spoiling the babies and preparing them for their forever home, one of the best things about fostering is that I get to meet nice people who unconditionally give cats a second chance.”

Animals in foster care include those recovering from surgery, expectant mothers, orphaned children, and animals whose previous owners are involved in ongoing legal investigations.

Benny entered 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 poor condition due to malnutrition.

After nearly four months of treatment, the branch learned to trust people again and was lovingly adopted in March 2024.

From petting cats, to delivery drivers and fundraising, the charity relies 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 and knowing that I am raising 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 firefighters and RSPCA inspectors after her owner locked her up and decided he no longer wanted her.

The rescue was successful, but RSPCA vets diagnosed Persephone with diabetes and pyometra – a painful uterine infection that can be fatal if left untreated.

After weeks of vet appointments and attempts to stabilize 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 almost a year and is living a happy, healthy and loving life.

In October 2023, a black stray – Beauty – and her four kittens were taken in after being abandoned.

But while they were on their way to the vet for a post-neuter checkup, Beauty slipped out of her carrier and ran away.

Despite being microchipped and wearing a stunning post-op suit, Beauty went missing for four months until a vet in Islington called and told the center she was safe in their care.

She showed up in the area and was taken in by a lady who later adopted her, and Beauty hasn’t tried to escape since.

Branch manager Jacqui Jackson said: “The RSPCA is receiving more calls about abandoned animals, neglect is on the rise and rehoming has fallen sharply – meaning thousands fewer rescue pets are being adopted – but more animals come under our care.

“We’re asking people to really consider rehoming a pet instead of buying one – together we can make the world a better place for animals.”