Hello, and thanks for coming along.

It's great that so many of you were able to make it this evening.
As you know, I'm here to tell you a little about the work of the Royal Society for
the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, an organisation I've been involved with since I
was a child.
The RSPCA is the UK's largest animal welfare charity, and I think that most, if not
all
of you, will have heard about our work.
The RSPCA rescues and relocates hundreds of thousands of animals each year in
England
and Wales.
It gives advice on how to take care of animals and develops laws that will protect
them,
working hard so that all animals can live a life free from abuse, suffering and
cruel
treatment.
I realise that I don't have to convince you of the importance of our work.
You probably wouldn't be here if you weren't interested in improving conditions for
animals,
and I don't think we need to debate that particular issue.
However, what I do want to communicate is the need for your active support.
But maybe I should first tell you a little bit more about why you might want to get
involved.
You won't be surprised to hear that more than half of the RSPCA's work focuses on
pets.
Each year we rescue and treat over 65,000 animals in England and Wales, and not
just harmless
pets like cats and dogs.
Last year, two poisonous snakes that have been illegally imported were found new
homes
at a London zoo.
We also care for other domestic animals such as farm animals, and encourage people
to
think carefully about where their animal products come from.
Beyond this, we also support wildlife conservation by reducing the effect that
humans have on wildlife.
Finally, we also want to see animal experiments replaced with humane alternatives.
The RSPCA thinks that the need for animals and experiments should be more strictly
questioned,
and campaigns to reduce suffering should continue as long as these experiments
exist.
So how can you get involved?
Well, firstly, you can sign up to our music.