John Colam (1827–1910)

Animal welfare campaigner and editor. Secretary of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1860–1905; editor, Animal World, 1869–1905; Band of Mercy, 1880–1905. One of the founders of the Battersea Dogs’ Home and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Personally stopped a bull-fight from taking place in London in 1870 and was later awarded a gold medal by the Paris SPCA and a gold watch by the RSPCA for his courage. Received the first Queen’s medal given for conspicuous service to the RSPCA. Strong anti-vivisection supporter.