William Wilberforce Day - an inspirational person who helped create the first ever animal welfare charity
Submitted by Steve on 08:54, 24th Aug, 2015 |
0
William Wilberforce Day is celebrated annually on the birth date of William Wilberforce as an opportunity for people everywhere to celebrate the life and legacy of the revolutionary British abolitionist. William Wilberforce was born in the East Riding of Yorkshire on August 24, 1759.
The only son of a prosperous merchant, Wilberforce had the advantages of wealth, social position, and charm. Short and nearsighted, he was a sickly child, but during his education at Cambridge (where he befriended future Prime Minister William Pitt) he was know for his social nature and flare for entertaining.
After college, at the age of 21, Wilberforce began his political career in Parliament, where he quickly became the heart of the British abolitionist movement.
Today’s historians compare William Wilberforce to modern leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ghandi — other “people of faith seeking social justice.” Wilberforce worked tirelessly not only to end slavery, but also to repair the moral fabric of nineteenth century England, leveraging his personal fortune, political ties, and friendships to better the world around him. Though it took decades, his brilliant and unmatched skills as an orator and debater stirred sympathy for enslaved Africans, first putting an end to the British slave trade, and later leading to the emancipation of Britain’s slaves — the latter goal being attained only three days before Wilberforce’s death in 1833.
William Wilberforce was involved in founding, funding, or leading over sixty organisations created for the betterment of society — organisations dealing with social issues like child labor, smallpox inoculation, and education of the deaf. Wilberforce’s efforts continue to inspire and shape our society and many of these organisations still exist today.
The RSPCA was founded in 1824 (without the "royal" prefix) as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It was established by a group of 22 reformers including William Wilberforce and also led by Richard Martin MP and the Reverend Arthur Broome in "Old Slaughter's Coffee House", St Martin's Lane, near the Strand. 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 sixty three offenders before the courts. It was granted its royal status by Queen Victoria in 1840 to become the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as it is today. In the late 1830s the society began the tradition of the RSPCA inspector, which is the image best known of the organisation today.
The RSPCA lobbied Parliament throughout the nineteenth century, resulting in a number of new laws. The Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 amended Martin's Act and outlawed baiting. 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.
From the founding of the RSPCA many animal welfare charities have sprung up around the world and in 1873 the Guernsey SPCA were formed.
Although we are completely independent we do occasionally help the RSPCA and they have also assisted ourselves on occasions over our long history.
Have you got a GSPCA Hoody, Polo Shirt, Sweat Shirt or T-shirt? If not get yours by clicking here.
To find out about our Events, how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, , our New Build & Redevelopment Appeal and much more please click here.
There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.
By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
Or by phone 01481 257261.
To find out more regarding our Angel Sponsorship Scheme please click here.
Have you liked us on facebook yet or joined us on twitter?
Post new comment