101-489: Angela Georgina Burdett-Coutts, 1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts ( née Burdett ; 21 April 1814 – 30 December 1906) was a British philanthropist, the daughter of Sir Francis Burdett, 5th Baronet and Sophia , formerly Coutts, daughter of banker Thomas Coutts . In 1837 she became one of the wealthiest women in England when she inherited her grandfather's fortune of around £ 1.8 million (equivalent to £210,000,000 in 2023) following
202-405: A benefactor offering a prize of one hundred pounds for the winning entry. The terms of the competition stipulated: "The Essay required is one which shall morally illustrate, and religiously enforce, the obligation of man towards the inferior and dependent creatures--their protection and security from abuse, more especially as regards those engaged in service, and for the use and benefit of mankind-on
303-412: A clause in her stepgrandmother's will forbidding her heir to marry a foreign national was invoked and Burdett-Coutts forfeited three-fifths of her income to her sister. Burdett-Coutts spent the majority of her wealth on scholarships, endowments, and a wide range of philanthropic causes. One of her earliest philanthropic acts was to co-found (with Charles Dickens ) a home for young women who had "turned to
404-458: A lecherous Flashman firmly in his place by dislocating his thumb. Angela Burdett-Coutts also features in Terry Pratchett 's novel Dodger ; in an afterword, he states that part of his reason for writing the book was to bring Burdett-Coutts to the attention of modern readers. George Meredith wrote a poem, 'Angela Burdett-Coutts', in her memory. Angela Burdett-Coutts is also a main character in
505-464: A letter of congratulations to the RSPCA on its anniversary. Although the society was founded by people who were mostly Christian social reformers, and in 1832 presented itself as a Christian charity concerned with welfare as well as moral reform, the RSPCA gradually developed into a non-religious, non- sectarian animal welfare charity. The RSPCA lobbied Parliament throughout the 19th century, resulting in
606-412: A life of immorality", including theft and prostitution. The home was known as Urania Cottage . She avoided taking sides in partisan politics, but was actively interested in improving the condition of indigenous Africans, or the education and relief of the poor or suffering in any part of the world. Though she made no special distinction of creed in her charities, Burdett-Coutts was a notable benefactor of
707-505: A local authority. Such inspectors are not to be confused with RSPCA inspectors who are not appointed by local authorities. In cases where, for example, access to premises without the owner's consent is sought, a local authority or animal health inspector or police officer may be accompanied by an RSPCA inspector if he or she is invited to do so, as was the case in previous law. Following a series of Freedom of Information requests in 2011, to police constabularies throughout England and Wales it
808-725: A movement to encourage children to act kindly toward animals. Women were debarred from membership of the RSPCA's executive committee until 1906. In the 19th century the RSPCA fostered international relations on the problem of cruelty through the sponsoring of conferences and in providing basic advice on the establishment of similar welfare bodies in North America and in the colonies of the British Empire . The RSPCA celebrated its jubilee in June 1874 by holding an International Congress on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Queen Victoria delivered
909-427: A number of new laws. The Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 amended Martin's Act and outlawed baiting. There was a public groundswell of opinions that were divided into opposing factions concerning vivisection, where Charles Darwin (1809–1882) campaigned on behalf of scientists to conduct experiments on animals while others, such as Frances Power Cobbe (1822–1904) formed an anti-vivisection lobby. The stance adopted by
1010-430: A regional superintendent who has responsibility for the chief inspectors, inspectors and AROs. The regional managers are expected to have a broad understanding of operations throughout their regions. RSPCA branches operate locally across England and Wales. Branches are separately registered charities operating at a local level and are run by volunteers. Some RSPCA branches are self-funding and raise money locally to support
1111-602: A resolution in 1825 that the House should consider the laws concerning Roman Catholics . This was followed by a bill embodying his proposals, which passed the Commons but was rejected by the House of Lords . In 1827 and 1828 he again proposed resolutions on this subject, and saw his proposals become law in 1829. In 1820 Burdett had again come into serious conflict with the government. Having severely censured its action in print with reference to
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#17330861609771212-603: A salaried inspector was settled in 1838, and the inspector is the image best known of the organisation today. Broome's experience of bankruptcy and prison created difficulties for him afterwards and he stood aside as the society's first secretary in 1828 and was succeeded by the co-founding member Lewis Gompertz. Unlike the other founder members who were Christians, Gompertz was a Jew and despite his abilities in campaigning against cruelty, fund-raising and administrative skills, tensions emerged between him and other committee members, due to Gompertz's approach, considered very radical at
1313-525: A statement clarifying that the RSPCA had no direct access to the PNC, and that in common with other prosecuting bodies, it may make a request for disclosure of records. This indirect access does not include any information that the RSPCA does not need in order to prosecute a case at court. The RSPCA operates a not-for-profit farm animal welfare assurance scheme. All farms on the RSPCA Assured scheme must comply with
1414-440: A successful return to the wild. *closed as of September 2020 At the national level, the charity comprises all central functions, and a number of animal hospitals and centres. This national charity also employs local inspectors and AROs to respond to urgent calls. In additional to this there is a National Control Centre which takes calls from the public and helps ensure that RSPCA officers attend incidents where animals need help,
1515-514: Is also a small number of market inspectors across the country. The RSPCA is a registered charity (no. 219099) that relies on donations from the public. The RSPCA states that its mission as a charity is, by all lawful means, to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and to alleviate the suffering of animals. RSPCA inspectors respond to calls from the public to investigate alleged mistreatment of animals. They offer advice and assistance to improve animal welfare, and in some cases prosecute under laws such as
1616-445: Is found a new home. There are currently 17 RSPCA animal centres across the UK and a further 42 centres ran independently by Branches. In 2013 the society had four wildlife centres at East Winch ( Norfolk ), West Hatch ( Somerset ), Stapeley Grange ( Cheshire ) and Mallydams Wood ( East Sussex ), which provide treatment to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals to maximise their chances of
1717-426: Is suffering in a dire emergency. If the court feels evidence has been wrongly obtained, it can refuse to admit it". In 2012, a trial was halted and charges relating to nine dogs were thrown out of court after District Judge Elsey ruled that they had been wrongly seized, stating that the police and RSPCA acted unlawfully when they seized the animals without a warrant or a vet present to establish any suffering. While
1818-493: The Animal Welfare Act 2006 . Animals rescued by the RSPCA are treated, rehabilitated and rehomed or released wherever possible. The RSPCA brings private prosecution (a right available to any civilian) against those it believes, based on independent veterinary opinion, have caused neglect to an animal under laws such as the Animal Welfare Act 2006 . The society has its own legal department and veterinary surgeons amongst
1919-504: The Chartists ) of universal male suffrage , equal electoral districts, vote by ballot, and annual parliaments. His commitment to reform resulted in legal proceedings and brief confinement to the Tower of London . In his later years he appeared reconciled to the very limited provisions of the 1832 Reform Act. He was the godfather of Francisco Burdett O'Connor , one of the famed Libertadores of
2020-697: The Church of England , building two churches – including St Stephen's Church, Rochester Row , Westminster – and endowing church schools. As executor of the will of the Reverend Chauncy Hare Townshend (the author of several volumes of poetry), she, with the Rev. Thomas Helmore (also a poet), used money from Townshend's estate to build a primary school in Westminster , known as Burdett-Coutts & Townshend Foundation Church of England Primary School. She endowed
2121-590: The East End of London , the district where much of her work was carried out. With her project in Columbia Square she became a pioneer in social housing . Through her support of missionary and nursing efforts she was associated with Louisa Twining and Florence Nightingale . Her small housing development, Holly Village, on the corner of what was then her estate, is now in private hands and may still be seen in Highgate. She
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#17330861609772222-659: The Harmsworth Memorial Hospital in Finsbury Park (north London), and a number of clinics which provide treatments to those who could not otherwise afford it, neuter animals, and accept animals from the RSPCA inspectorate. As of September 2020, the Putney Animal Hospital has been permanently closed. RSPCA animal centres deal with a wide range of injured and rescued animals, working alongside its inspectorate, volunteers, and others to ensure that each animal
2323-535: The Metro newspaper said: "The UK Government wants to shoot England's badgers. We want to vaccinate them – and save their lives." However, more than 100 people complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), saying the use of the term "exterminate" was misleading. The advertising standards watchdog judged that the advert was likely to mislead the general public who had not taken an active interest in
2424-535: The NC State University Libraries. The RSPCA currently publishes an annual review and the Animal Life magazine twice a year for members. RSPCA centres, hospitals and branches operate throughout England and Wales. In 2012 RSPCA centres and branches assisted and rehomed 55,459 animals. In 2013 the society owned four animal hospitals, Birmingham , Greater Manchester , Putney (south London) and
2525-503: The Peterloo Massacre , he was prosecuted at Leicester assizes, fined £1,000, and committed to prison by Justice Best for three months for the crime of "composing, writing, and publishing a seditious libel " with explanation: My opinion of the liberty of the press is that every man ought to be permitted to instruct his fellow subjects; that every man may fearlessly advance any new doctrines, provided he does so with proper respect to
2626-605: The Protection of Animals Act 1911 provided a power of arrest for police, the British courts determined that Parliament did not intend any other organisation, such as the RSPCA, to be empowered under the act and that the RSPCA therefore does not possess police-like powers of arrest, of entry or of search ( Line v RSPCA , 1902). Like any other person or organisation that the law deems to have a duty to investigate — such as HM Revenue and Customs and local authority trading standards —
2727-603: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , as it is today. The origins of the role of the RSPCA inspector stem from Broome's efforts in 1822 to personally bring to court some individuals against whom charges of cruelty were heard. Broome employed and personally paid the salary for an inspector to monitor the abuse of animals at the Smithfield Market . The inspector hired by Broome, Charles Wheeler, served in
2828-483: The Spanish American wars of independence . Sir Francis Burdett was the son of Francis Burdett and his wife Eleanor, daughter of William Jones of Ramsbury Manor , Wiltshire. He inherited the family baronetcy from his grandfather Sir Robert Burdett in 1797. From 1820 until his death, he lived at 25 St James's Place , London. He was educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford . When young, he
2929-458: The United States . At the general election of 1802 Burdett, assisted by the radical Irish journalist and publisher Peter Finnerty , was returned as Member of Parliament for the county of Middlesex , but his return was declared void in 1804 and he lost the ensuing by-election owing to the machinations of the returning officer. In 1805 this return was amended in his favor, but as this decision
3030-430: The 1970s. In the twentieth century the RSPCA widened the horizons in the public domain by promoting an annual "animal welfare week". The RSPCA also had annual accounts published in newspapers, like The Londoner , where the secretary would discuss improvements, report cases, and remind the public to watch over their animals' health. During the second half of 1837 the society sponsored an essay-writing competition with
3131-809: The County of Middlesex. On 18 July 1872 she became the first woman to be presented with the Freedom of the City of London at the Guildhall , and in 1874 she became Edinburgh 's first woman Freeman and was also presented with the Freedom of that city. A road in east London was named after her in 1862 and now forms part of the A1205 in Tower Hamlets . Lady Burdett-Coutts died of acute bronchitis at her home on Stratton Street , Piccadilly . By
Angela Burdett-Coutts, 1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts - Misplaced Pages Continue
3232-602: The Coutts fortune and became a well-known philanthropist. In 1796, he became Member of Parliament for Boroughbridge , having purchased this seat from the representatives of the Duke of Newcastle , and in 1797 succeeded his grandfather as 5th Baronet. His inheritance included the family seat of Foremarke Hall and "the hamlets of Ingleby and Foremark (sometimes referred to as a manor ) which were under his Lordship". In Parliament he soon became prominent as an opponent of William Pitt
3333-571: The First World War the RSPCA provided support for the Army Veterinary Corps in treating animals such as donkeys, horses, dogs and birds that were co-opted into military service as beasts of burden, messengers and so forth. However, the RSPCA estimates that 484,143 horses, mules, camels and bullocks were killed in British service during the war. The RSPCA's centenary in 1924 and its 150th anniversary in 1974 were accompanied by books telling
3434-672: The Jerusalem Ordnance Survey served as the basis for all future Jerusalem research". Burdett-Coutts subsequently helped fund other explorations in the Holy Land , sometimes in conjunction with the Palestine Exploration Fund . This effort included a subsequent offer to fund another exploration to find water for Jerusalem, to be led by Charles Warren . Burdett-Coutts founded Columbia Market in 1869, in Bethnal Green in
3535-823: The National Control Centre is however, a third party contract and are not RSPCA employees. In previous years the National Headquarters located at Southwater in West Sussex houses several general departments, each with a departmental head, consistent with the needs of any major organisation. The current chief executive officer is Chris Sherwood. Since the pandemic the RSPCA no longer has a National Headquarters, with most employees now working from home and small satellite offices being set up in locations such as Horsham and London. There are three regions ("North", "South", and "East, Midlands and Wales"), each headed by
3636-488: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( RSPCA ) is a charity operating in England and Wales which promotes animal welfare. The RSPCA is funded primarily by voluntary donations. Founded in 1824, it is the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation in the world, and is one of the largest charities in the UK. The organisation also does international outreach work across Europe, Africa and Asia. The charity's work has inspired
3737-610: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1882), the Singapore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1959) and various groups which eventually came together as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Australia (1981), the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) (1997) — formerly known as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) (1903–1997). The emergence of
3838-463: The RSPCA "impersonate police officers and commit trespass. People do believe they have powers of entry"; however, he did not produce any evidence of such impersonation of police officers, and the society strongly denies the allegation. Sally Case, former head of prosecutions, insisted that RSPCA inspectors are trained specifically to make clear to pet-owners that they have no such right. They act without an owner's permission, she says, "only if an animal
3939-608: The RSPCA Ladies' Committee took over the Band of Mercy 's magazine The Bang of Mercy Advocate and renamed it simply, Band of Mercy . Colam was also its editor until 1905. Both magazines were formed to educate people about treating animals more kindly. The Animal World magazine was published up until the 1990s. Copies are stored at the RSPCA Archive in Horsham, West Sussex and digitized by
4040-423: The RSPCA deputy chairman Paul Draycott said that 'too political' campaigns threatened the charity's future and could deter donors. Draycott said that the RSPCA could go insolvent "We have spent months discussing where we want to be in 10 years' time, but unless we develop a strategy for now we won't be here then". In response the chairman Mike Tomlinson said "The trustee body continues to place its full support behind
4141-525: The RSPCA has its roots in the intellectual climate of the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Britain where opposing views were exchanged in print concerning the use of animals. The harsh use and maltreatment of animals in hauling carriages, scientific experiments (including vivisection ), and cultural amusements of fox-hunting , bull-baiting and cock fighting were among some of the matters that were debated by social reformers, clergy, and parliamentarians. At
Angela Burdett-Coutts, 1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts - Misplaced Pages Continue
4242-519: The RSPCA is expected to conform to the rules in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 so far as they relate to matters of investigation. RSPCA officers are trained to state, following giving the caution, that the person is "not under arrest and can leave at any time". The Animal Welfare Act 2006 has now replaced the Protection of Animals Act 1911, and it empowers the police and an inspector appointed by
4343-436: The RSPCA was one of qualified support for legislation. This qualified support for experiments on animals was at odds with the stance taken by Society's founder Broome who had in 1825 sought medical opinions about vivisection and he published their anti-vivisection sentiments. It was also a departure from the 1837 essay-competition (discussed above) where the essayists were obliged to expose "the specious defence of vivisection on
4444-556: The RSPCA's "stringent higher welfare standards". RSPCA Assured assesses farms, hauliers and abattoirs and if they meet every standard, the RSPCA Assured label can be used on their food product. The RSPCA Assured scheme has received criticism from media coverage of animal cruelty that has taken place on RSPCA Assured farms. In 2009 the RSPCA was criticised by the Scottish SPCA for fundraising in Scotland and thereby "stealing food from
4545-459: The RSPCA's chief executive, management and all our people who do such outstanding work". The accusations of politicisation remain unsubstantiated. Paul Draycott also warned that the RSPCA fears an exodus of "disillusioned staff" with "poor or even non-existent management training and career paths" for employees. In response the RSPCA's chief executive, Gavin Grant denied suggestions in the memo that there
4646-579: The Scottish charity was intended. The RSPCA is an opponent of badger culling ; in 2006 there was controversy about a "political" campaign against culling, with the Charity Commission being asked to consider claims that the charity had breached guidelines by being too overtly political. The charity responded saying that it took "careful account of charity law and the guidance issued by the Charity Commission". Years later, an RSPCA advertisement published in
4747-475: The UK. The agreement included provisions such that the RSPCA would receive up to 15% of top-ups made on the network and it was expected the network would raise £50,000 in the first year of operations. RSPCA Mobile ceased service in October 2014. In 1829 when the first recognisable police force was established in England, they adopted a similar uniform to that of RSPCA inspectors who had been wearing uniforms since
4848-522: The United Kingdom". The other "seven wise men" were to be Rev. William Draper; George Ensor , Rev. Richard Hayes, Robert Williams, and Matthew Wood . After the passing of the Reform Act 1832 , the ardour of the veteran reformer was somewhat abated, and a number of his constituents soon took umbrage at his changed attitude. Consequently, he resigned his seat early in 1837, but was re-elected. However, at
4949-515: The Younger , and as an advocate of popular rights. He denounced the war with France , the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, and the proposed exclusion of John Horne Tooke from parliament, and quickly became the idol of the people. He had made the acquaintance of Tooke in 1797, becoming his pupil not only in politics but also in philology . With John Courtney MP , in 1798 Burdett supported
5050-472: The animal welfare work they do. They find homes for about three-quarters of all animals taken in by the RSPCA. RSPCA branches also offer advice, microchipping, neutering and subsidised animal treatments. In 2013 there were also about 1000 RSPCA shops. Each region of the RSPCA contains groups of inspectorate staff. A group is headed by a chief inspector, who might typically be responsible 6-12 officers (Inspector and AROs), working with several local branches. There
5151-475: The badger cull saying, "The ad must not appear again in its current form. We told the RSPCA not to use language that implied the whole badger population in the cull areas would be culled in future advertising." An RSPCA spokesman said it "welcomed" the judgement of the ASA to dismiss three of the areas of complaint about their advert but "respectfully disagreed" with the complaint which had been upheld. In September 2013
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#17330861609775252-407: The beginning of the 19th century there was an unsuccessful attempt by Sir William Pulteney on 18 April 1800 to pass legislation through the British parliament to ban the practice of bull-baiting. In 1809 Lord Erskine (1750–1823) introduced an anti-cruelty bill which was passed in the House of Lords but was defeated in a vote in the House of Commons . Erskine in his parliamentary speech combined
5353-483: The bishoprics of Cape Town and Adelaide (1847), and the founding bishopric of British Columbia (1857). The granite Greyfriars Bobby Fountain in Edinburgh, with a bronze statue of Greyfriars Bobby , was erected by Baroness Burdett-Coutts. She was involved with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Burdett-Coutts was influential in the formation of the RSPCA's ladies committee in 1869 and
5454-470: The campaign of Catherine Despard to publicise and protest the conditions under which her Irish husband Colonel Edward Despard and other political radicals were held in Coldbath Fields Prison following the suspension of habeas corpus . Together they were instrumental in securing a parliamentary inquiry, and as a result Burdett was for a time prevented by the government from visiting any prison in
5555-485: The capacity of an inspector from 1824 to 1826 but his services were terminated when the society's revenue was exceeded by its debts. The accrued debts led to a suspension of operations when Broome as the society's guarantor for debts was imprisoned. When operations resumed there was some divided opinions in the committees that steered the society about employing inspectors, which resulted in a resolution in 1832 to discontinue employing an inspector. The permanent appointment of
5656-472: The charity's beginning in 1824. This adoption has led to similarities in the RSPCA rank names and rank insignia with British police ranks , which has led some critics (such as Chris Newman, chairman of the Federation of Companion Animal Societies) to suggest an attempt to "adopt" police powers in the public imagination. An RSPCA inspector may also verbally caution a member of the public, similar to that used by
5757-646: The companion and sunshine of my life for 52 years". She was a friend of both Charles Dickens and the Duke of Wellington , and she proposed marriage to the Duke despite the great disparity in their ages. Three years later, when she was 67, she shocked polite society by marrying her 29-year-old secretary, the American-born William Lehman Ashmead Bartlett , who became MP for Westminster on 12 February 1881. Her new husband changed his surname to Burdett-Coutts. Because of her husband's American birth
5858-508: The contemporary paintings she purchased was Robert Scott Lauder 's Christ Walking on the Sea . The Reverend Richard Harris Barham , in a ballad (part of the Ingoldsby Legends ) he wrote under the pen name "Thomas Ingoldsby" for Queen Victoria 's coronation, referred to her as "Miss Anja-ly Coutts". She became a subject of public curiosity, receiving numerous offers of marriage. She inherited
5959-512: The country house at Holly Lodge Estate in Highgate , which was then just outside London, where she was famous for holding receptions. Burdett-Coutts spent part of each year at Ehrenberg Hall in Torquay with her former governess and later companion Hannah Brown, to whom she was devoted. When Brown died in 1878, Burdett-Coutts wrote to a friend that she was utterly crushed by the loss of "my poor darling,
6060-703: The creation of similar groups in other jurisdictions, starting with the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (founded in 1836), and including the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1839), the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1840), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1866), the Royal New Zealand Society for
6161-430: The death of her stepgrandmother, Harriot Beauclerk, Duchess of St Albans . She joined the surnames of her father and grandfather, by royal licence , to become Burdett-Coutts. Edward VII is reported to have described her as "[a]fter my mother , the most remarkable woman in the kingdom". Burdett-Coutts was widely known as "the richest heiress in England". She was a collector of paintings, including Old Masters . Among
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#17330861609776262-480: The efforts of the Reverend Arthur Broome (1779–1837) to create a voluntary organisation to promote kindness toward animals resulted in the founding of an informal network. Broome canvassed opinions in letters that were published or summarised in various periodicals in 1821. Broome organised a meeting and extended invitations to various reformers that included parliamentarians, clergy and lawyers. The meeting
6363-477: The general election in 1807, Burdett, in spite of his reluctance, was nominated for Westminster , and amidst great enthusiasm was returned at the top of the poll. In January 1809, Burdett participated with Gwyllym Wardle in the Duke of York scandal, by which Prince Frederick was relieved of his duties as Commander-in-Chief of the Forces , only to be reinstated two years later when Wardle had been shown to encourage
6464-595: The general election in the same year he forsook Westminster and was elected member for North Wiltshire , which seat he retained, acting in general with the Conservatives, until his death. He was nicknamed "Old Glory" by fellow conservatives. His wife, Lady Burdett, to whom he was devoted, died on 13 January 1844. Sir Francis, then twelve days short of his 74th birthday, became inconsolable and felt he had nothing left to live for. He refused all food and died just ten days later on 23 January 1844. He and his wife were buried at
6565-482: The ground of its being for the interests of science." In 1876 the Cruelty to Animals Act was passed to control animal experimentation . In 1911 Parliament passed Sir George Greenwood 's Animal Protection Act . Since that time the RSPCA has continued to play an active role, both in the creation of animal welfare legislation and in its enforcement. An important recent new law has been the Animal Welfare Act 2006 . During
6666-438: The hostile testimony of Mary Anne Clarke , the mistress of Frederick. He again attacked abuses, agitated for reform, and in 1810 came sharply into collision with the House of Commons . The radical John Gale Jones had been committed to prison by the House, and Burdett questioned the power of the House to take this step, and tried in vain to have him released. He then issued a revised edition of his speech on this occasion which
6767-417: The house was entered, and under an escort of soldiers he was conveyed to the Tower of London . Released when parliament was in recess, he caused his supporters much disappointment by returning to Westminster by water, and so avoiding a demonstration in his honour. He then brought legal actions against the speaker and the sergeant-at-arms, but the courts upheld the action of the House. Burdett's defence lawyer
6868-534: The kingdom. Edward Despard, a member of the London Corresponding Society and a United Irishman remained in prison for three years. In 1803, after Despard was tried and (notwithstanding Horatio Nelson 's intervention as a character witness) executed for treason, Burdett helped secure Catherine Despard a pension. In Paris, 1802, Burdett presented the radical writer Thomas Paine with a gift of money to enable him to discharge his debts and return to
6969-512: The mouths of animals north of the border by taking donations intended for Scotland." The RSPCA insists that it does not deliberately advertise in Scotland but that many satellite channels only enabled the organisation to purchase UK-wide advertising. In a statement, the RSPCA said it went "to great lengths" to ensure wherever possible that adverts were not distributed outside England and Wales , and "Every piece of printed literature, television advertising and internet banner advertising always features
7070-399: The novel 'The Household' by Stacey Halls , published in 2024, which focuses on life at Urania Cottage and explores Burdett-Coutts' experience of being stalked by Richard Dunn for over a decade. Francis Burdett Sir Francis Burdett, 5th Baronet (25 January 1770 – 23 January 1844) was a British politician and Member of Parliament who gained notoriety as a proponent (in advance of
7171-508: The novelist Catherine Grace Godwin (1798–1845) described in her novel Louisa Seymour an incident where two leading female characters were aghast at the behaviour of a driver abusing a horse pulling a carriage that they subsequently discussed the problem of cruelty with other characters one of whom, called Sir Arthur Beauchamp, disclosed that he was a member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In 1839 another female supporter of
7272-484: The police, i.e. "You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence"; this may strengthen the perception that the RSPCA has statutory powers. When Richard Girling of The Times asked about its lack of powers, a spokesman for the RSPCA said "We would prefer you didn't publish that, but of course it's up to you". Chris Newman claimed that
7373-612: The publication of books and tracts as well as the fostering of annual sermons preached against cruelty on behalf of the society. The first annual anti-cruelty sermon that was preached on behalf of the society was delivered by Rev Dr Rudge in March 1827 at the Whitechapel Church. In 1865 the RSPCA looked for a way to consolidate and further influence public opinion on animal welfare by encouraging an annual "Animal Sunday" church service where clergy would preach sermons on anti-cruelty themes and
7474-624: The religion and government of the country; that he may point out errors in the measures of public men; but he must not impute criminal conduct to them. The liberty of the press cannot be carried to this extent without violating another equally sacred right; namely, the right of character. This right can only be attacked in a court of justice, where the party attacked has a fair opportunity of defending himself". In 1821, John Cartwright proposed to Jeremy Bentham that they serve with Burdett as "Guardians of Constitutional Reform", their reports and observations to concern "the entire Democracy or Commons of
7575-439: The resources which facilitate such private prosecutions. All prosecutions are brought via independent solicitors acting for the RSPCA, as the association has no legal enforcement powers or authority in its own right. In May 2012 the RSPCA launched its own mobile virtual network operator service, RSPCA Mobile, in partnership with MVNO whitelabel service Shebang. RSPCA Mobile claimed to be the first charity mobile phone network in
7676-487: The role of the RSPCA. This development has included debates both inside the RSPCA (e.g. the RSPCA Reform Group ) as well as among ethicists, social activists and supporters of claims for animal rights outside of it concerning the society's role in ethical and legal issues involving the use of animals. The RSPCA's official publication, The Animal World: A Monthly Advocate of Humanity was released in October 1869. It
7777-418: The same time in the same vault at Ramsbury Church , Wiltshire. He left a son, Robert, who succeeded to the baronetcy and inherited his very large fortune, and five daughters, the youngest of whom became the celebrated Baroness Burdett-Coutts after inheriting the Coutts fortune from her grandfather's widow Harriet, Duchess of St Albans and appending the Coutts surname under the terms of Harriet's will. Robert
7878-411: The sin of cruelty--the infliction of wanton or unnecessary pain, taking the subject under its various denominations-exposing the specious defence of vivisection on the ground of its being for the interests of science--the supplying the infinite demands on the poor animal in aid of human speculations by exacting extreme labour, and thereby causing excessive suffering--humanity to the brute as harmonious with
7979-630: The society began shortly after the organisation was founded. At the society's first annual meeting in 1825, which was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern on 29 June 1825, the public notice that announced the gathering specifically included appropriate accommodation for the presence of women members. Several women of social standing were listed as patronesses of the society, such as the Duchess of Buccleuch, Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury, Dowager Countess Harcourt, Lady Emily Pusey, Lady Eyre and Lady Mackintosh. In 1837
8080-517: The society's story. During World War II it was reported that the RSPCA had rescued 256,000 animals during bombing raids. Bernard Montgomery sent a letter of appreciation to the RSPCA, commenting that the Society had alleviated the suffering of animals during the war. Since the end of the Second World War the development of intense agricultural farming practices has raised many questions for public debate concerning animal welfare legislation and
8181-516: The society's veterinarian, also published their essays. One entrant whose work was submitted a few days after the competition deadline, and which was excluded from the competition was written by the Unitarian minister William Hamilton Drummond and he published his text in 1838, The Rights of Animals: And Man's Obligation to Treat Them with Humanity . This competition set a precedent for subsequent RSPCA prize-winning competitions. The role of women in
8282-469: The society, Sarah Burdett, a relative of the philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts and a poet, published her theological understanding of the rights of animals. However it was not until 12 July 1870 that the RSPCA Ladies' Committee was established. Through the Ladies Committee various activities were sponsored including essay-prize competitions among children, and the formation of the Band of Mercy as
8383-569: The spirit and doctrines of Christianity, and the duty of man as a rational and accountable creature." There were 34 essays submitted and in December 1838 the prize was awarded to the Congregational minister Rev John Styles . Styles published his book-length work, The Animal Creation; its claims on our humanity stated and enforced , and all proceeds of sale were donated to the society. Other contestants, such as David Mushet and William Youatt ,
8484-466: The time of her death she had given more than £3 million to good causes. Nearly 30,000 people filed past her coffin before she was buried on 5 January 1907 near the West Door in the nave of Westminster Abbey . She left no issue and the barony became extinct on her death. Preparations had been made to inter her ashes, but on the day of her funeral, Westminster Abbey unexpectedly received her uncremated body and
8585-570: The time, in opposition to hunting and other forms of using animals he regarded as abusive. The tensions led to the convening of a meeting in early 1832 which led to Gompertz resigning. His resignation coincided with a resolution adopted in 1832 that "the proceedings of the Society were entirely based on the Christian faith and Christian principles." Alongside the society's early efforts to prosecute offenders who maltreated animals, there were efforts made to promote kindly attitudes toward animals through
8686-563: The very first sermon was delivered in London on 9 July 1865 by Rev. Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815–1881), the Dean of Westminster . The "Animal Sunday" service became an annual event in different church gatherings in England, which was later adopted by churches in Australia and New Zealand in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, and it was the forerunner of the "pet blessing" services that emerged in
8787-458: The vocabulary of animal rights and trusteeship with a theological appeal to biblical passages opposing cruelty. A later attempt to pass anti-cruelty legislation was spearheaded by the Irish parliamentarian Richard Martin and in 1822 an anti-cruelty to cattle bill (sometimes called Martin's Act ) became law. Martin's Act was supported by various social reformers who were not parliamentarians, and
8888-472: The wording 'The RSPCA is a charity registered in England and Wales ' ". "All Scottish donors, who contact us via RSPCA fundraising campaigns, are directed to the Scottish SPCA so that they can donate to them if they so wish." The Scottish SPCA changed its logo in 2005 to make a clearer distinction between itself and the RSPCA in an attempt to prevent legacies being left to its English equivalent by mistake when
8989-652: Was Samuel Shepherd . In parliament Burdett denounced corporal punishment in the army, and supported all attempts to check corruption, but his principal efforts were directed towards procuring a reform of parliament, and the removal of Roman Catholic disabilities . In 1809 he had proposed a scheme of parliamentary reform, and returning to the subject in 1817 and 1818 he anticipated the Chartist movement by suggesting universal male suffrage , equal electoral districts, vote by ballot, and annual parliaments; but his motions met with very little support. He succeeded, however, in carrying
9090-499: Was "no strategy" in some areas, stating that there was no difficulty in attracting trustees or serious internal concerns about management. In June 2014 RSPCA campaigner Peta Watson-Smith compared the conditions livestock are brought up in across the country to that of the Jews during the Holocaust . The comments were condemned by countryside campaigners and Jewish groups. In 2015 Watson-Smith
9191-671: Was a member of the Literary Association of the Friends of Poland . He also brought up two of the sons of his friend the Irish nationalist Roger O'Connor , who both became notable political radicals. One of these was Feargus O'Connor , one of the main leaders of the Chartists; the other was Francisco Burdett O'Connor , who fought in Simón Bolívar 's army. Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals The Royal Society for
9292-453: Was again quickly reversed, Burdett, who had spent an immense sum of money over the affair, declared he would not stand for parliament again. At the general election of 1806 Burdett was a leading supporter of James Paull , the reform candidate for the City of Westminster ; but in the following year a misunderstanding led to a duel between Burdett and Paull in which both combatants were wounded. At
9393-725: Was also the president of the British Goat Society. In 1884, she was a co-founder of the London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which became the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in 1889; she also founded the Westminster Technical Institute in 1893. In 1871, in recognition of her philanthropic work, Queen Victoria conferred on her a suo jure peerage as Baroness Burdett-Coutts of Highgate and Brookfield in
9494-621: Was for a long time the notorious lover of Lady Oxford (according to the journal of Thomas Raikes ), and afterwards travelled in France and Switzerland. He was in Paris during the earlier days of the French Revolution . Returning to England in 1793, he married Sophia Coutts , the second daughter of the wealthy banker Thomas Coutts . She brought him the large fortune of £25,000. Their youngest daughter – Angela Burdett-Coutts – ultimately inherited
9595-650: Was forced to bury her standing up. A portrait of her is included in the mural of heroic women by Walter P. Starmer unveiled in 1921 in the church of St Jude-on-the-Hill in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London. Charles Dickens dedicated his novel Martin Chuzzlewit to her and she had many royal and eminent friends. The book Flashman's Lady by George MacDonald Fraser makes reference to her (fictional) love for James Brooke (The White Rajah), and his rejection of her due to his physical affliction. She also puts
9696-477: Was founded as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals . Broome was appointed as the society's first honorary secretary. The foundation is marked by a plaque on the modern day building at 77–78 St Martin's Lane . The society was the first animal welfare charity to be founded in the world. In 1824 it brought 63 offenders before the courts. Princess Victoria became the society's patron in 1835, and, as Queen, granted its royal status in 1840 to become
9797-565: Was held on Wednesday 16 June 1824 in Old Slaughter's Coffee House , London. The meeting was chaired by Thomas Fowell Buxton MP (1786–1845) and the resolution to establish the society was voted on. Among the others who were present as founding members were Sir James Mackintosh MP, Richard Martin, William Wilberforce , Basil Montagu , John Ashley Warre , Rev. George Bonner, Rev. George Avery Hatch, Sir James Graham , John Gilbert Meymott, William Mudford , and Lewis Gompertz . The organisation
9898-459: Was inspired by the MSPCA 's publication Our Dumb Animals which had been created a year before. The Animal World magazine defined its objective as "to protect animals from torture and ameliorate their condition, and to awaken in the minds of men a proper sense of the claims of creatures placed under their dominion". It was edited by John Colam the then secretary of the RSPCA from 1869–1905. In 1883,
9999-498: Was its first president. In 1864, she financed the Ordnance Survey of Jerusalem ; the primary goal of the endeavour was to find better drinking water for those living in the city. During this work (1864–1865), the group, led by Charles William Wilson , was able to produce the most accurate and comprehensive map of Jerusalem but was unable to find a new source of water. The Jerusalem Post commented that "Charles Wilson’s work on
10100-569: Was published by William Cobbett in the Weekly Register . The House voted this action a breach of privilege, and the speaker issued a warrant for Burdett's arrest. The charge was libelling the House of Commons. Barring himself in his house for two days, he defied the authorities, while a mob gathered in his defence. Burdett's colleague Thomas Cochrane offered assistance, but, realizing that Cochrane intended to use military tactics during this civil and political affair, Burdett declined. At length
10201-624: Was revealed that the RSPCA has developed local information sharing protocols with a number of constabularies, allowing designated RSPCA workers access to confidential information held on the Police National Computer (PNC). Although RSPCA workers do not have direct access to the PNC, information is shared with them by the various police constabularies which would reveal any convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands and impending prosecutions. Information regarding motor vehicles can also be accessed. The Association of Chief Police Officers released
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