IN criticising the RSPCA, R Jauncey seemed to imply in his recent letter that both Penny and Jess, having found themselves in our care, were now facing certain death.

Penny is still undergoing veterinary care. It was never suggested that she would be put to sleep and indeed a home has been secured for her.

Jess, however, is an extremely difficult dog to rehome. We were aware of this from the very start. Her past treatment has left her with psychological problems, which will never heal. It would have been easy to give up on Jess, to say we do not have the necessary resources. But then, we could say that of 90 per cent of the dogs coming to us.

As a local branch, we operate as a small committee of volunteers, most of whom work full time. When Mr Jauncey knocks the RSPCA, he should remember that he isn't knocking a large and impersonal organisation of faceless people.

He is criticising the effort of individuals such as our dog rehoming co-ordinator, who while holding down a full time job, dedicates her entire spare time to finding homes for dogs such as Jess.

In the last three years no dogs have been put to sleep by our branch.

This isn't good luck. It's due to a few committed to "doing" instead of criticising. Any animal euthanased by our branch is done so only if it is beyond veterinary care.

The thousands of animals that come into the care of the RSPCA nationwide have stories similar to Jess.

People should remember that puppies and kittens are bred indiscriminately by people who just feel their only responsibility is to pick up the phone call us and demand that we collect their unwanted baggage.

The RSPCA makes a difference. When Penny was found, she was a living corpse. She is now a happy, fit dog with a good future that we made possible.

PAMELA BOOKER,

Branch Secretary,

RSPCA Worcester and Mid Worcestershire.