The RSPCA provide one of a few invaluable services for our animal friends.

Founded in 1824, it was then called the SPCA - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Formed in England, the Society is the oldest animal welfare organization in the world, formed five years before Britain's first police force.

In 1840 Queen Victoria gave the SPCA her permission to be named the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Animal charities soon spread worldwide. Queensland's RSPCA was established in 1976. Nine year later 'Animals' was dropped for its name, and the Society now include ill-treated children and neglected aged people.

The Society maintained its involvement with the protection and welfare on children until 1970's, when it once again became solely responsible for the protection and welfare of animals.

For more information on the RSPCA and the Million Paws Walk, visit their web site at: www.rspca.org.au