Animal aid (From Barry And District News)

Animal aid

LATELY, the RSPCA in Wales has noticed several letters in newspapers from members of the public expressing their disappointment with the service they received from the RSPCA.

After looking into some of the matters raised, we have concerns that some members of the public are not phoning the national number but instead tying to find a local contact for the RSPCA.

By phoning the RSPCA's national number from any land line in Wales the caller will automatically be put through to the society's call centre in Brecon where a controller will assess the problem and then either advise the caller on what best to do, or pass it on to an RSPCA inspector or animal collection officer in the local area.

If anyone has seen an injured animal or has concerns about its welfare the best action to take is to assess the situation calmly before rushing to do anything.

Have all the facts clear - time, place, location and directions to location and any other relevant information such as the description of the animal.

Having done all they can the person should then phone the RSPCA's 24 hour helpline on 08705 555 999.

This number takes all calls for local inspectors and it is the fastest and most effective way of contacting the RSPCA if you are concerned about an animal that is sick, injured or in distress.

It is not the responsibility of the RSPCA to collect or re-home stray dogs. This is the statutory duty of the local authority.

As a direct consequence of public action, hundreds of successful RSPCA prosecutions are made every year and thousands of animals are saved from further suffering.

By making the call to the right place the issue will be dealt with far more quickly and effectively than if you try to find a local number for the RSPCA.

E A Davies Address supplied