6 IN some quarters the RSPCA has been unreasonably criticised with suggestions it is not doing enough in the current foot- and-mouth crisis.

This is very disappointing, as the RSPCA and its inspectors have been working incredibly hard since this crisis began.

Throughout England and Wales, RSPCA officers have been helping farmers handle the repercussions of this outbreak by assisting with animal care, providing advice and lobbying government to improve the welfare of animals caught up in the crisis.

In the West Central region alone, the RSPCA helped alleviate the plight of 217,000 animals in one month by direct help, lobbying MAFF for a licence to be speeded up or for the Intervention Board to cull animals.

We have also monitored culls, wherever possible and purchased fodder from its own funds and distributed it to needy farmers.

Eighty inspectors nationwide have been taken off normal duties so they can visit hard-hit farms and prioritise the needs at the farm for MAFF and offer any assistance, such as food and shelter, that is needed. A nationwide brokerage scheme has also been set up by the Society to match offers of food, bedding, and other vital supplies to those that need it.

The charity has consistently urged caution over the culling of animals, which have no proven link to the disease. We are also extremely concerned by reports about the welfare of animals both before and during the slaughter process.

The RSPCA is working hard to alleviate the plight of all animals affected by the crisis and we need your support and help, not criticism, now more than ever.

STEPHEN J MULHOLLAND, Regional Manager, RSPCA, Shropshire.