Now 140 years later, RSPCA Tasmania remains focused on protecting the community’s most vulnerable animals. 

Thursday marks the anniversary of the first meeting of the then named Society for Protection of Cruelty to Animals in Tasmania.

Today staff at the Launceston Animal Care Centre are continuing that legacy. 

RSPCA Tasmania chief executive Dr Andrew Byrne said the state’s branch had recently shifted its focus back to its core purposes. 

“Over the recent months RSPCA Tasmania has used the historical lessons surrounding the formation of the Tasmanian SPCA 140 years ago, to reaffirm its purpose,” he said.

“[That] being the protection of those vulnerable animals in most need, along with continuing to educate the community regarding acceptable animal care and to lobby for more effective animal welfare laws.”

On July 19, 1878, Governor Frederick Weld presided over a meeting in Hobart that formed the foundation of what would later become RSPCA Tasmania. 

A Spring Bay branch was also formed in 1878, followed by Launceston in 1879 and Stanley and Bridport in 1880. 

This TSPCA became one of the most prominent animal advocacy groups in the late 19th century, with the aim of preventing cruelty to animals and raising awareness. 

In the past 12 months, the Launceston RSPCA Animal Care Centre have adopted out 415 dogs, 482 cats and 130 other animals. 

Dr Byrne said the common thread over the past 140 years had been the RSPCA’s role in enforcing animal protection and public education. 

“The relevance of RSPCA Tasmania and our Inspectors is just as strong today as it was in the late 1800’s, only the community expectation is much greater,” he said. 

“This shows that the work of those early animal protectionists in educating the community with the intent of instilling a community kindness toward animals has worked. It is absolutely clear that Tasmanians today care deeply for animals.”