The long-running BBC religious program Songs of Praise presents its latest episode, ‘200 Years of the RSPCA,’ airing on BBC One on Sunday 23 June 2024. In this installment, the Rev Kate Bottley visits an RSPCA animal hospital in Birmingham to mark the charity’s bicentenary.
The episode begins with Kate exploring the cat ward, where she meets the RSPCA’s CEO, Chris Sherwood, and learns about the organization’s founding by prominent figures of faith, including William Wilberforce. Chris shares how their work today remains inspired by these same principles, guided by a vision to create a better world for animals.
We then travel to Steventon, near Oxford, and join the Rev Phil Sutton, who has an unusual companion during his church services—a hearing dog in training. For over two decades, Phil has dedicated himself to training these dogs, which provide invaluable support to deaf individuals. We also encounter 16-year-old Zach, whose life has been transformed by his hearing dog, Echo, whom he considers a heavenly gift.
Returning to the RSPCA hospital, Kate meets education manager Rob, who has adopted one of the dogs that came through their doors. Rob shares how his faith aligns with his work, and we witness the veterinary team in action as they perform health checks on a newly rescued litter of kittens, offering both medical care and cuddles.
The episode includes a selection of songs celebrating God’s creation and all creatures, great and small, including ‘All Creatures of Our God and King’ and ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful.’
Songs of Praise: 200 Years of the RSPCA airs on BBC One on Sunday, 23 June 2024.
