Letter: Animal welfare

Bob Bertram (Letters, 13 August) is right to emphasise the distinction between the Scottish SPCA and the RSPCA in England and Wales.

However, as someone involved in animal rescue in the Borders for over 30 years, I think the SSPCA should, as a matter of urgency, publicise what their remit means in regard to what situations they will and will not respond to in terms of animal welfare.

If the SSPCA, as I have heard, is to concentrate solely on cruelty cases, then they must please explain this and make sure the public are encouraged to contact the nearest rescue centre where they can take injured wildlife, or perhaps find a home for a pet they can no longer care for.

I have often wished they would make sure their inspectors and call centre have a list of all recognised carers in each area of Scotland, which would help to cut down my calls from anxious members of the public.

ALISON PEARSON

Priors Reach

Peebles