All reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, or abandonment must be reported to the National Helpline.

We are an independent, community branch of the RSPCA. We operate in different ways to the National charity, and we do not have any facilities that allow us to log or raise animal welfare concerns with the RSPCA frontline teams (Inspectors and Animal Rescue Officers).

If you are concerned about the welfare of a pet or farm animal, please call 0300 1234 999.

If you have a concern about a wild animal, please use our checklist before reporting.

Learn more about reporting cruelty to the RSPCA.

Our Branch works independently of the National RSPCA.

We are solely responsible for our own, local funding for animal welfare support, advice and education.

We operate as a separate charity under the umbrella of the RSPCA, meaning that all of our funding goes back into supporting our own community of pet owners, and local animals in need. Overseen by a board of trustees, we work alongside private veterinary clinics and surgeries, offering emergency funding, supporting frontline teams, and providing financial assistance towards neutering and microchipping for pet owners on a low income.

We are an administrative, community branch. So, unlike the National RSPCA, we do not have a frontline team of our own, but work in support of their ongoing, essential work.

Therefore, while we are unable to act directly when an animal requires an officer’s assistance, we can offer welfare advice, education services, community-based events and financial support.

All animal welfare concerns and reports, including neglect, cruelty, abuse, injury and medical emergencies should be reported to 0300 1234 999.

Quick ‘cheat sheet’ - Do you need National or Branch?

• I’m interested in subsidised neutering or microchipping vouchers - Branch

• I need to report an animal welfare concern or emergency - National

• I’ve had a card put through my door asking for a call back - National

• I’d like to volunteer, locally - Branch

• I’d like to donate some clothes or goods - Branch

• I’d like to know more about my local pet food bank - Branch

• I need to update the RSPCA about an ongoing animal welfare concern - National

• I work for a school or education provider, and we’d like to talk to the RSPCA about a school visit or education provision - Branch

• Can the RSPCA attend our careers day - Branch

The National RSPCA Society investigate and prosecute animal cruelty reported to them by members of the public who are concerned about the welfare of animals. They are often asked how this process works and why it takes time before they act or prosecute. Here you'll find the answers along with our other frequently asked questions.

As a local branch, we are here to sign-post and offer advice where we are able. This might be referring members of the public to specific sites, numbers, organisations, or to the national helpline - depending on what the concern regards.

However, we are a separate charity to the National RSPCA, with our own charity number. Our work is community-based, and includes advice and sign-posting regarding all aspects of animal welfare, including:

• Financial aid for neutering and microchipping

• Emergency funding towards veterinary consultations

• Support for the RSPCA frontline teams

• Prevention education: working with schools and local authorities to develop animal welfare education materials for children and young people

• Community outreach (advice and support around best practices in animal welfare)

• Vet clinic days (working with local vets to provide lower cost treatments for members of our community)

• Supporting food banks to provide food and equipment for those with pets who are on a low income

• Events and fundraising to help raise awareness and to support local animals in need

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