Whilst the RSPCA in Australia is not directly linked to the RSPCA in the United Kingdom, it was in the UK that a society with the aim of preventing cruelty to animals was first formed.

On the evening of the 16th June 1824, a number of distinguished people, including William Wilberforce, assembled at the 'Old Slaughters' Coffee House' in London. They were called together by the Rev. Arthur Broome, a London vicar to form a society which would support the working of Richard Martin's Act. This Act was passed on the 22nd July 1822 and was against cruelty to farm animals, particularly cattle. The first animal welfare Society in any Country had been 'born'.

The newly formed organisation did not at first employ Inspectors, but relied on a Committee to inspect the markets, slaughter houses and in the streets of the metropolis, the conduct of coachmen.

Arthur Broome employed, at his own expense, a gentleman named Mr Wheeler, who together with his assistant, Charles Teasdall, brought 63 offenders before the Courts in 1824. It was not until the late 1830's however, that the society started the tradition of the Inspector.

Unfortunately, the popularity of so called sports, such as cock-fighting, bull and bear baiting, and the initial reluctance of magistrates to convict offenders, made the early days an uphill struggle.

Financial problems also slowed down progress; indeed Arthur Broome was imprisoned for the Society's debts. Gradually though, public support showed itself in the form of donations, and increased willingness to give evidence against offenders.

Royal patronage was given to the Society in 1835 when the Duchess of Kent, and her daughter, Princess Victoria, become Lady Patrons. Further patronage was given to the Society in 1840, when Queen Victoria honoured the Society with the prefix "Royal".

The Queen's disapproval of using animals for experimentation was instrumental in the passing of the first law against vivisection. By 1841 there were five Inspectors, each paid a guinea a week, based in London, who travelled to various parts of the Country bringing offenders before the Courts.