RSPCA

The RSPCA is the oldest animal welfare charity in the world and it was even set up before the UK police force. In 1840 Queen Victoria gave it the right to call itself the 'Royal' society

The RSPCA's mission is to prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate the suffering of all animals. This includes the 900 million farm animals reared annually in the UK for food, the animals used in research, wild animals and pets

The RSPCA has a very busy team of 541 officers who investigate the complaints and decide what action to take to help the animals and to prevent cruelty. In many instances the officer gives some advice to the owner and, if they follow the advice, there is no need to take further action

The RSPCA is a charity that depends on donations from the public and some lottery funding. Its local branches are self-funding, raising money locally to support their animal welfare work. To find out more about how you can help, you can visit Get Involved

Anyone can volunteer for the RSPCA and help out by campaigning, fundraising or by getting involved in events. Visit RSPCA to find your local RSPCA branch. Please note though, to work directly with RSPCA animals, you will need to be 16 years or older

Freedom Food is the RSPCA's farm assurance and food labelling scheme. It is the only UK farm assurance scheme to focus solely on improving the welfare of farm animals reared for food. Look out for the Freedom Food logo on products in the shops

Although children under 16 often care for pets, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 they cannot be the legal owner until they are 16 years old. This means that parents are legally responsible for their children's pets

To report a mistreated, neglected, injured or distressed animal, call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999. For other enquires, information and advice, visit www.rspca.org.uk or call 0300 1234 555. Our mission is to help all animals

Animals can dehydrate very quickly. Most animals need access to fresh water all the time. This is one of the five basic welfare needs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which are similar to 'The five freedoms'

Unfortunately some cruelty cases are so severe that prosecuting the owners is the only way to prevent animals from suffering in the future. In 2010 the RSPCA successfully prosecuted 2,441 people who had been cruel to animals