Our branch in Cornwall isn't funded by the RSPCA. RSPCA inspectors are not paid for or tasks by our centre in Cornwall, they are instead part of the National RSPCA which is a seperately registered charity from us.
Although we work closely with the local RSPCA inspectorate team, we had no control over what jobs they attended when our branch gets called for help. We changed this to make sure animals get the care they need quickly, that's where our Animal Welfare Officer comes in...
Last year, we saw a rise in the number of animals that needed help from the RSPCA but weren't getting the swift support they needed. We therefore decided to employ our own Animal Welfare Officer to give Cornwall the support it so desperately needed. Their role is to attend complaints offering advice and support to animals and their owners, rescue wildlife and support the local community who may be struggling financially.
Bubs the nine year old cat came to us in March 2023 with severe injuries to his mouth. He sadly wasn't getting the treatment he needed so was signed over into our care. Bub's needed regularly vet visits, treatment and medication, all of which comes at a cost to our branch. Thankfully, Bubs found himself in our care so that he can be given the second chance he deserve at a happy and comfortable life.

This is Violet and without our Animal Welfare Officer, her outcome could have been very different. Poor Violet is a 5 month old Husky x who was in desperate need of our help. The original call was to check on her and the other dog in the home after they had been left alone for at least 24 hours, but once on the scene, the welfare check turned into an emergency situation as Violet was tangled tightly in the curtains, Violet was screaming for help and was quickly cut free. Because our swift action, Violet wasn't harmed from her ordeal, but without us, there's no telling how long she could have been tangled for.

Freddo was collected by our Animal Welfare Officer as a puppy who was only a couple of months old and no longer able to stay in his home due to his medical needs. Poor Freddo had issues with his toes and hind legs and found it difficult to get around. Thanks to our quick support, Freddo got the early intervention care he desperately needed so that he had a fighting chance of a normal life. Freddo is since recovering in a foster home under close medical supervision and so far, is making great progress.
Every day our Animal Welfare Officer gets at least 5 calls from people who need our help. Fuel and vehicle running costs eat into our vital funds and our Officer can be found at each corner of the county in a working day. Their time and expertise in how to handle emotional and challenging situations makes all the difference in the successful rescue of owned animals.
No RSPCA inspector or officer has the rights to enter a property or simply remove animals, no matter how awful the conditions, only the police can do this. It's therefore vital for our Animal Welfare Officer to be kind and compassionate to owners so that the animals can get help as soon as possible...
Your donation today will mean that our Animal Welfare Officer can remain on the road, supporting animals that need our help. We cannot rescue these animals 365 days a year without your help.