Caring for animals

IN response to Anne Kasica s letter (July 4)), the RSPCA would like to clarify some points made. The RSPCA is dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals and would prefer that animal suffering is avoided. Out of the 110,841 complaints investigated by our i

IN response to Anne Kasica's letter (July 4)), the RSPCA would like to clarify some points made.

The RSPCA is dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals and would prefer that animal suffering is avoided. Out of the 110,841 complaints investigated by our inspectors in 2005, just 1,604 cases were referred to our prosecutions department and not all of these resulted in prosecution. Education is far more important than prosecution, and we actually gave advice about the care of 94,130 animals, most of which was followed by owners.

The RSPCA believes that being a responsible pet owner is not something limited to those on high incomes, and the majority of pet owners are perfectly capable of spotting whether their sick animal needs veterinary treatment or more food, whatever their income.

The decision to prosecute is taken solely on whether an animal has been made to suffer, not on the finances of its owner. Responsible pet owners are not at risk of prosecution.

Anne Kasica wrongly states how many animals die in RSPCA care. RSPCA figures show that only 15.3 per cent of animals are put to sleep by the RSPCA and just 3.7 per cent of these are euthanised on non-medical grounds, including if their owners request us to put them to sleep.

Everything is done to ensure that animals recover and are re-homed to a loving family who are prepared to give them the care they need.

SOPHIE WILKINSON, RSPCA East Regional, Press Officer, Peterborough