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Walk on the Wild Side

Five Minutes With Holly Cushen

Meet Holly, an RSPCA Outreach Officer who is passionate about educating communities to prevent cruelty and inspire positive actions for animals. Holly works with all age groups, from schools to adult community groups, and collaborates with local RSPCA branches to host events.

Tell us a little bit about your role.

I work with communities to prevent cruelty through education, and to empower and inspire people to take positive actions for animals. I work with all different age groups, from schools to adult community groups, and with our local RSPCA branches to put on events.

What motivates you to get up for work? 

As an outreach officer, what motivates me every day is knowing the impact I can make on the lives of animals and the community. Each day offers the opportunity to educate, advocate, and create positive change, ensuring animals receive the compassion and kindness they deserve. It really is a great job and I feel very proud and fortunate to work for the RSPCA.

What’s your favourite part of working here? 

The difference we make in the lives of animals and their owners. Being part of a dedicated team that rescues animals, provides them with necessary medical care, and either finds them loving homes or releases them back into the wild, is incredibly rewarding. The RSPCA's commitment to advocating for animal rights and welfare aligns with my passion, making every day a great experience.

The RSPCA was founded in 1824. What moment in time, in the last 200 years, would you have liked to work for the RSPCA and why? 

The 1900s was a really key era for animal rights and welfare movements globally, with significant legislative changes and increased public awareness. The RSPCA played a key role in campaigning for stronger animal protection laws and raising awareness. In 1952, Pat Jones and Ninette Gold were trained as the first women patrol officers. They became a huge part of our history, and now in some inspectorate groups there are actually more women than men. Being involved in the campaign and advocacy work of that era and witnessing the recognition of the work of the RSPCA, I imagine, was incredibly inspiring.

What would be your animal-rescue superpower and why?

Great question! I would love to have the ability to instantly heal any animal, both physically and emotionally. This power would ensure that every animal, regardless of the severity of their injuries or the trauma they have endured, could recover fully and quickly. 

Join Walk on the Wild side

Ready for a new challenge?

This September, take the RSPCA’s Walk on the Wild Side, enjoy time out in nature and raise money to make the world a better place for animals. Sign up to receive your free 200th anniversary pin badge, and to get access to our new podcast series about UK wildlife. Our wildlife is wonderful–and it’s up to us to keep it that way.