THE plight of the unwanted animals at the Plough Road animal rescue centre near Droitwich - described on your front page recently - is heart-rending. However, the eternal crises suffered by Danemere are unsurprising in the light of their policies, and it is the animals who suffer.

The effective sale of these animals by means of charging what I feel is an exorbitant 're-homing fee' must deter many people from adopting a pet despite being keen and able to provide a loving, caring home.

Someone living on a state pension will not be able to pay £45 to adopt a cat. Think of a younger person claiming job-seekers allowance looking for a dog. This dog would cost almost two week's income, making it absolutely unaffordable - so instead the animal languishes miserably in over-crowded accommodation, continuing to cost the centre money for its keep.

Of course it is costly running a rescue centre and money matters but can these policies be described as animal welfare? Less emphasis on getting money in and more on getting these poor animals out promptly to loving homes - through greater flexibility and increased co-operation with other centres -might well result both in a healthier bank balance and many more happy pets settled in loving homes.

P Major

Ombersley Road

Droitwich Spa