I WAS somewhat surprised at the letter printed by Mrs Pratchett last week concerning two cats which allegedly our branch, along with two other charities would not help.

Having investigated this accusation I, together with my re-homing team, have not received any calls concerning the help requested by her friend.

As chairman and re-homing officer for the local branch, I can honestly say that we help as many animals as we possibly can and at present have over 40 cats awaiting new homes.

We have recently run a free neutering scheme for cats for people on income support and the total to date is 79 cats neutered. If all these cats had been responsible for a minimum of two kittens, we have prevented a further 158 unwanted kittens being born within our area (and this does not include some feral cats which we have trapped and neutered).

Neutering is a vital part of animal welfare; it can dramatically reduce the amount of unwanted cats who suffer cruelty and neglect.

We spend many sleepless nights worrying about any animals in distress and I know we would have done everything we could to have helped that situation. As volunteers we work 365 days a year without pay. Mrs Pratchett’s criticism should be levied at the callousness and shame of the person(s) for abandoning the cats in such a manner in the first place.

Until such time when certain members of the public stop allowing their cats to become pregnant, take responsibility for their cat’s welfare and in some cases stop profiteering from selling kittens then, unfortunately, animal charities will continue to face these problems.

I would however, like to thank Mrs Pratchett’s friend for their kind and responsible action and thank Cat Action Trust for securing a safe haven for them.

Janis Borley Chairman, Kidderminster branch of the RSPCA