The concept of animal welfare is not new. In ancient civilizations, such as Greece and Rome, philosophers like Aristotle and Seneca discussed the treatment of animals and the importance of compassion. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the modern animal welfare movement began to take shape. The establishment of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in England in 1824 marked a significant turning point in the fight against animal cruelty.