Forever Missed: Pamela Barton

The SPCA Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Long-time Supporter,
Miss Pamela D. Barton MBE

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) (“SPCA”) is deeply saddened by the passing of Miss Pamela D. Barton MBE on Saturday, 20th January at 98 years old.

Pamela was one of the longest-standing supporters of the SPCA and has been an integral part of the SPCA for over 50 years. Her passion for animals was evident from her very first interactions with us as a volunteer in the 1960s feeding stray dogs along Canton Road. Her SPCA journey has seen her through a variety of roles: from starting out as a volunteer, she later became involved as an Executive Committee Member (1986–1991) and then President (1991–1997). She was equally active as a trustee and a donor.

Pamela always had the staff’s welfare at heart: she understood that people are the backbone of the SPCA and who support our efforts for animals in need. To further support our staff, she set up the Pamela Barton Education Fund to cover the cost of further studies in order to build up a pipeline of SPCA animal care professionals to maintain sustainable operations. She also supported the redesign of uniforms for frontline staff so that our inspectors would be comfortable in extreme weather conditions during their constant rescue missions. Pamela was always a forward-thinker and invested in the SPCA’s future as she was heavily involved with the design of the new Wan Chai Headquarters that opened in 1992 with then-Governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten. Her contributions to setting up the framework for the SPCA’s animal protection law advocacy is still shaping our efforts today.

We will always remember Pamela’s passion and support of the SPCA, and we will miss her dearly. We extend our deepest condolences to her family.