THERE appears to be a great deal of interest in the RSPCA's involvement with the foot and mouth crisis, so it might be useful to outline some of the work our inspectors have been doing around the country.

The RSPCA was the first agency to begin making a real difference to animal welfare problems when it became clear that thousands of ewes were lambing in appalling conditions, due to movement restrictions. To date, RSPCA staff and many drafted into help have lambed 3,000 ewes and helped bring more than 5,000 lambs into the world. We have helped organise and provide lambing marquees, feed, shelter and manpower to farmers in crisis. One of our most depressing tasks was assisting with the killing of about 1,300 ewes to prevent further suffering. Many of these animals hadn't even the most basic level of care available to them. The RSPCA could see no means of improving their welfare on site and the sheep were not fit to be transported for slaughter. It was a task no-one relished but, as ever, the RSPCA does not shy away from difficult animal welfare decisions.

Last week 80 RSPCA inspectors from across the country were taken off normal duties to concentrate on visiting farms to help farmers and to prioritise the most desperate animal welfare cases. The charity is also running a brokerage system, where people with excess supplies of hay, straw, feed and other supplies can offer them to us via the RSPCA's national helpline on 08705 555999 for matching with the animals that need them most.

We have raised our concerns to the Government about some of the slaughter methods employed and have sent inspectors to the mass site in Cumbria. We have also investigated many incidents of alleged inhumane slaughter and have continued to protest to the Government about the culling of healthy animals with no proven link to the disease.

The RSPCA is doing everything it can to help these stricken animals. Our staff have worked some incredibly long hours in appalling conditions dealing with heartbreaking situations. We offer our thanks to everyone who has supported us.

KAY BRANDIST,

RSPCA regional manager.