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The following text came from The RSPCA site: "In 1822, Richard Martin MP piloted the first anti-cruelty bill giving cattle, horses and sheep a degree of protection through parliament. ‘Humanity Dick' as he was known, was one of the 22 founders of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which was launched in London in 1824. The SPCA became the first national animal protection society in the world."

Mrs Catherine Smithies formed an early organisation which developed into the RSPCA. In 1840 Queen Victoria allowed "Royal" to be added to the name.