ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS ESSEX SOUTH AND SOUTHEND BRANCH

Essex South, Southend and District Branch is one of 136 independent RSPCA branch charities (separately registered charities that follow national RSPCA policies and guidelines) and covers the district from Wickford to Southend (postcodes SS0 through to SS12).

Our branch is run by a dedicated committee of volunteer Trustees.  Daily operations are run by a mix of local volunteers and part time employees who are unstinting in their work for animal welfare. Our branch does not receive government funding and we rely on donations, local fundraising and legacies to support our vital animal welfare work. 

Much of the direct RSPCA animal welfare work is carried out through local branches like ours. We provide support to the national RSPCA Inspectorate for animals they are attending to within our district. This could be rehabilitation and rehoming due to cruelty or neglect, or it could be a variety of reasons, such as assisting pet owners suffering domestic violence, homelessness, mental health concerns or the cost of living crisis. We also support members of the public and local services, such as social services or vets who contact us directly.

Essentially, we aim to support animals and their people who are most in need, to improve their lives and futures and to promote responsible pet ownership. Some examples of our activites are; 

• Supporting the national RSPCA Inspectorate who are attending to animals in need within our district
• Financial assistance for pet owners in need. This may be for a veterinary consultation or pet food. 
• Rehabilitation and rehoming of primarily cats and dogs, sometimes small animals and the occasional equine 
• We have 26 animals who are under our permanent foster scheme. They have special health or behavioural needs that meant we could not rehome them, so we will care for them for their entire lives
• Pet advice and support for local pet owners
• Community animal action events. These may include initiatives such as subsidised microchipping, neutering and worm and flea treatments.
• We also have two charity shops in Rochford and Shoebury which provide volunteering opportunities as well as raising much needed funds for our vital work