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 bought fodder from our 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 RSPCA to match offers of food, bedding and other vital supplies to those that need it.

We wrote to the Agriculture Secretary on March 7 asking that emergency licences be introduced to enable farmers to move their animals to more suitable conditions to ensure that their welfare was not compromised.

Two days later MAFF announced these licences would be granted. We have also called on the MoD to provide tents to shelter sheep and cows while giving birth.

The RSPCA has also written to the Government on several occasions, both before and during this outbreak, stressing the importance of keeping local abattoirs open.

Apart from the welfare concerns of animals travelling long distances, transportation of livestock around the country undoubtedly increases the risk of the disease spreading.

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 and have asked for confirmation that all livestock is killed humanely in the cull and not simply stunned without further action to prevent immediate death.

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 West Central Region