IN reply to the letter from Mr Spratt of North Brentor, in your edition of January 18.

I can assure you that our priority will always be helping animals that are suffering, and preventing cruelty, as our correct title the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states.

In 1999 we achieved 2,719 cruelty prosecutions and rehomed nearly 100,000 animals. We actively campaign on issues such as hunting, animals used in research, circuses, zoos, farm welfare, exotic pets, fur farming etc, and these campaigns have, since our creation in 1824, changed laws and the lives of millions of animals. We work with children in schools and with

animal charities overseas, all in the name of the prevention of cruelty.

As the world's oldest, biggest and most respected animal welfare charity, it is right that the RSPCA is involved in all areas of animal awareness, including marking their little-known involvement in war.

This decision was made by a council of RSPCA volunteers, who believed that such a memorial would increase awareness, act as a tribute to much-loved individual animals, and mark the hope that it will never happen again.

Janet Kipling

RSPCA South West

regional press officer