RSPCA Hull & East Riding and Hull Minster Partner for Animal Blessing Service to Celebrate 200th Anniversary of the RSPCA

The RSPCA, originally founded in 1824 at Old Slaughters Coffee House in London, was established by a group that included Hull-born William Wilberforce MP, renowned for his leadership in the abolition of slavery. The organisation was initially known as the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), until receiving royal patronage in 1837 and becoming the RSPCA in 1840 under Queen Victoria’s support.

To mark this milestone, the Animal Blessing Service offers a chance for the community to come together to celebrate and give thanks for the pets and service animals that play such an important role in our lives. The public is encouraged to bring their dogs on leads, and other animals are welcome, provided it is safe and appropriate to do so.

In the lead-up to the service, animal charities and organisations working with animals will be promoting their causes with stalls in an exhibition space at Hull Minster. The exhibition will run from Tuesday, 15th October to Sunday, 20th October, providing an opportunity for the public to learn more about the vital work being done for animal welfare across the region.

Fred Owen, Chief Executive Officer of RSPCA Hull & East Riding, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “We are delighted to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the RSPCA with an Animal Blessing Service. The service will give the community the opportunity to come together to show thanks for pets and service animals of all shapes and sizes. Animals do so much for us – as loving members of the family, as support in tackling crime, in ensuring we stay safe and well, and even helping find people lost in disasters – it is only right we give thanks for this by coming together.”

Revd Rob Suekarran, Associate Vicar at Hull Minster said: “We at Hull Minster are absolutely delighted to host the Animal Blessing Service celebrating the 200th anniversary of the RSPCA, along with the accompanying exhibition raising awareness of and celebrating the work of local charities and organisations promoting animal welfare in our city. Hull Minster is all about gathering people from across our city together in our ancient place of worship, as it has done for hundreds of years, and celebrating all that is good. We look forward to celebrating with you the blessings our animals bestow upon us in all sorts of ways, and thanking God for them, and those who seek their welfare.”

RSPCA Hull & East Riding, a self-funded charity and the largest investor in animal care within the region, continues to provide essential support to abused, abandoned, and neglected animals through its £1-million Animal Rescue Centre. The branch operates entirely on community donations and volunteer support, receiving no government funding. The event highlights the organisation’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare, education, volunteering, and partnerships.

Owen added: “As a branch, we continue to show compassion and innovation in animal welfare, education, volunteering, and partnerships. This event is a great opportunity for us and other organisations in the area to showcase what we do in supporting, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in Hull and East Yorkshire.”

To further support the mission of RSPCA Hull & East Riding, Mr Owen encourages the public to attend the RSPCA 200th Anniversary Dinner, which will raise crucial funds to ensure every animal finds a loving forever home. The dinner will also support efforts to educate future generations about the responsibilities of pet ownership and continue community outreach in animal welfare.

For more information on the event or to support RSPCA Hull & East Riding, visit https://rspcahull.org.uk/.