Criticism of RSPCA unjustified

It is unjustified of Mrs Williams ("Furious at response of charity letters", November 22) to criticise the RSPCA regarding our involvement in a call about an injured cat, when her version of events was not accurate.

A call was logged with the RSPCA on November 9 at 7.20pm regarding a cat that had been in a road traffic accident.

The caller, who was not Mrs Williams, said they were prepared to take the cat to the vet. Within 15 minutes of the emergency call being logged with the RSPCA, the RSPCA had spoken to the caller and called two veterinary practices speaking to one vet who was willing to treat the injured cat.

If a caller indicates they are willing and able to take an injured or suffering animal to a veterinary surgery for treatment, particularly in an emergency situation such as this, then it is not always necessary for the RSPCA to send out an inspector, who may not be near at hand.

Readers must bear in mind when they call the RSPCA we will endeavour to do as much as we can with the resources we have available. The RSPCA is not a Government funded emergency service but a charity funded entirely by donations kindly given by the public.

This might help to explain why there are not inspectors on every street corner as inspectors often cover large geographical areas. There is approximately one inspector or animal collection officer for every 114,000 people in England and Wales, which may put into perspective how difficult it can be to be everywhere at once.

Every 25 seconds someone calls the RSPCA National Cruelty and Advice Line for advice or to report an animal in danger or distress.

Judith Haw, RSPCA Regional Officer, Wales & West Region