![RSPCA Victoria](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/147311550_10159077490524329_8464685551067735112_n.jpg?h=0dfea72b&itok=cHSFcLPi)
Followed by Tasmania (1872), New South Wales (1873), South Australia (1875), Westen Australia (1892) and Northern Territory (1965).
![about-us](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/about-us-our-history-banner-1903x400__FocusFillWzY4OCw0ODIsIngiLDEyNDVd.jpg?h=e065beec&itok=RfhYSl2c)
![Canberra dog](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/IMG_0424.png?h=02cb7f90&itok=7MFc_hDm)
Defined by 16 examples of cruelty to animals and a new offence of ‘aggravated cruelty’ is introduced.
![rodeos](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-06/calf-roping-2.jpg?h=82f92a78&itok=elUfRJRv)
![Circuses](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-06/Lion-circus-article.jpg?h=7fb2964e&itok=pYai4zfe)
![Dog and cat](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-08/alec-favale-Ivzo69e18nk-unsplash__FocusFillWzc1MSw4ODAsInkiLDEyM10.jpg?h=832c8235&itok=41BVDmAn)
![Animal Welfare](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/act.png?h=8eead9a3&itok=bMeuSIpF)
![2003CanberraBushfires](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/2003CanberraBushfires_0.jpg?h=29234840&itok=s4PRwM8_)
![firework](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-08/r0_67_1032_609_w1200_h630_fmax.jpg?h=c8e1cafd&itok=GLRT3uQs)
![cat](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/colony_7.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=8zfaJSA3)
![take-action-greyhound-racing](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/take-action-greyhound-racing__FocusFillWzc1MSw4ODAsIngiLDEyOF0.jpg?h=832c8235&itok=hN9VkL36)
![desexing clinic](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/DESEX.png?h=8eead9a3&itok=3UPtoqyl)
![catt](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/eIMG_6123.jpg?h=cd2a7045&itok=w5MK7IeP)
![New site](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-07/RSPCA-map.jpg?h=5ec9f416&itok=J_Gh4T3H)
![Rabbit](/sites/default/files/styles/timeline/public/2024-08/120502_1.jpg?h=4362216e&itok=AxTN_6ym)
The RSPCA ACT animal shelter first opened in 1955 on it’s current site in Weston, ACT, joining branches in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia. The Northern Territory was added as a society member in 1965.
The RSPCA’s history in Australia dates back to 1871, when a public meeting to discuss the ill treatment of horses in Victoria led to the formation of Australia’s first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
In May 1980 the eight RSPCA Societies met in Melbourne and agreed unanimously to form a properly constituted national Society.
The new organisation was named RSPCA Australia and formally constituted in the ACT under the requirements of the then Companies Act. Following this, the first meeting of RSPCA Australia was held in February 1981.
The animal shelter and RSPCA ACT headquarters at Weston covers approximately 1.5 hectares.
The site comprises five main buildings, kennel space for about 60 adult dogs and puppies, living space and cat runs for 40 cats and kittens, bird aviaries, and two wombat rehabilitation enclosures.
The shelter has dog and puppy training yards, retail shop, and a veterinary clinic for shelter animals.
Just as we have done at the beginning of our organisation’s history, we continue to help, protect and advocate for better welfare for animals in the ACT.