ROYAL FACTS All creatures great and small

FROM the smallest of animals to the largest, all creatures on this Earth should be protected.

Thankfully there’s an independent, non-government community-based charity providing animal care and protection services – the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

As its name suggests, the objectives of the RSPCA is to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.

RSPCA Australia is a federation comprising of eight independent state and territory bodies called member societies.

To ensure all animals can live free from pain and suffering, the RSPCA member societies engage in a wide range of activities.

They enforce existing animal cruelty laws at federal and state level and prompt new legislation where required; develop and promote policies based on scientific knowledge; operate animal care shelters and adoption facilities; raise community awareness through education; and undertake fundraising events and campaigns.

RSPCA policies cover: companion animals; farm animals; animals used for sport, entertainment, recreation and work; research animals; wildlife; transportation of animals; humane killing; and other miscellaneous areas.

The society conducts fundraising events throughout the year such as the RSPCA Million Paws Walk.

In May, animal lovers along with thousands of paws hit pavements and parks across Australia to raise money and make a stand for animals in need.

The funds raised in this annual event enables animals to receive daily care, veterinary treatment and helps with rehoming programs. The RSPCA Australia

■ runs 40 shelters and employs about 1000 staff.

■ is Australia’s oldest and largest animal welfare organisation.

■ received 137,391 animals into animal shelters and adoption centres across the country (2015/16).

■ offers two scholarships to encourage students to take an active interest in animal welfare issues.

— It costs about $48 million in Queensland alone to cover the services the RSPCA provides – with less than 1% of that received in government funding.