The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) has celebrated an extraordinary milestone as it marked 190 years of protecting animals in Northern Ireland, making it the second oldest animal welfare charity in the world.
A special anniversary event at Custom House, Belfast, on Thursday 12 November, the charity brought together civic leaders, partners, members, Trustees and colleagues from across the animal welfare sector for a special commemorative event.
The anniversary event saw the USPCA lay wreaths at the Calder Fountain, a water trough for horses and cattle built by Commander Francis Anderson Calder in 1836 who was a leading animal welfare champion that set the origins for the USPCA charity in motion over 190 years ago.
Reflecting on the milestone, the USPCA CEO Heather Weir said:
"The need for animal welfare services have never been greater. Costs are rising, more families are struggling, and more animals need us. In the years ahead we want to reach further into the heart of every community across Northern Ireland so that anyone who cares about an animal is never far from the USPCA."
Founded by retired naval officer Commander Francis Anderson Calder, the organisation began life as the Belfast Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Calder, moved by the suffering of working animals in nineteenth-century Belfast, established the Society and personally funded water troughs across the city for horses and cattle. His legacy lives on today in the historic Calder Fountain, located at Custom House Square, where the charity will lay a commemorative wreath.
Heather Weir added:
“This charity continues to rely entirely on public generosity. We have always been powered by people and communities that care for animals.
“That support has enabled the USPCA to make a significant impact in the past year alone, carrying out 1,654 wildlife rescues, providing 7,842 free veterinary consultations, distributing 7,879 pet food parcels to families in need and rehoming 368 animals.
"For 190 years, ordinary people have chosen to stand alongside us to prevent cruelty and relieve suffering.
“To every donor, member, fundraiser, volunteer and partner, past and present: thank you. You are the reason the USPCA has reached 190 years, and you are the reason it will keep going into the future.”
As part of the celebratory event, the USPCA presented two prestigious Humanitarian Awards to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding courage, kindness and commitment to protecting animals in need.
Parliament Buildings at Stormont and Belfast City Hall also illuminated in the USPCA's blue and gold colours in recognition of the charity's remarkable contribution to animal welfare since its foundation in 1836.
Other civic buildings lit up to show their support across Northern Ireland included Causeway Coast and Glens Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Ballyclare Town Hall.
At the event the charity marked a special connection to its past with a spotlight on the historic achievements of Constable David Robb of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). In 1908 and 1909, Constable Robb was awarded the prestigious Bronze and Silver Medals by the charity's forerunner for his outstanding dedication to animal welfare.
As special guests the Robb family highlighted their remarkable legacy with the USPCA and entrusted Constable Robb’s medals, recently recreated by QUB Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and Laser Prototypes Europe, to the care of the USPCA.
Heather Weir concluded: “As the USPCA honours its past, we are also looking to the future, inviting the public to join its mission of creating a Northern Ireland free from animal cruelty for generations to come.”
Become part of the USPCA pack and stand with us to help animals in Northern Ireland.
Notes to editors:
For media queries please contact Áine Magee or Scott Jamison at Connect on a.magee@connectpa.co.ukand s.jamison@connectpa.co.uk
