SHOZIA Hussain (Letters, January 9) and D Ormonde (Letters, January 17) had no positive response from the RSPCA, but both commendably resolved the animal problems themselves and relieved the distress of two kittens. I hope the owners of the animals, if they were traced, showed their gratitude!

Most charities are founded when ordinary, caring people see a need somewhere and give money, time and practical help to organise these bodies. Unpaid volunteers are the mainstay of many charities, including the RSPCA.

Animal charities usually work to the same end and are not in competition with each other. They help when and where they can.

Thank goodness programmes like Pet Rescue attempt to show a positive picture, but it isn't like that on the ground. Imagine the vast areas an RSPCA inspector has to cover; the hundreds of phone calls received each day with urgent problems requiring attention in farms, markets, etc and the overflowing animal centres with pets needing attention and re-homing.

The real culprits are irresponsible owners whose pets remain un-neutered and who treat animals as toys to be abandoned or replaced at a whim. Here lie the problems and caring individuals and societies are left to pick up the pieces.

SOPHIE JONES, Blackburn (full address received).