I WOULD like to comment on the recent article in the Wirral Globe regarding the RSPCA Wirral and Chester Branch and their apparent lack of funds.

Some people in Wirral may still be unaware that only a few short years ago, this branch received a legacy well in excess of £1m And in the online accounts for 2009, there was still over £1m in their branch funds.

There are several small animal welfare groups in Wirral, in particular those involved with dog rescue, which, like the RSPCA, have their own vetinary costs and neutering costs, as well as paying bills to board homeless dogs in kennels until they can be rehomed.

They do all this on a shoe-string compared to the money the RSPCA commands - but you don't hear them bleating on about the situation.

These small charities will also take on stray dogs (which are often the dogs in most need of help), whereas Wirral RSPCA wants nothing to do with them.

Any strays taken to the animal centre, even those in a very poor condition, are passed on to the council's dog pound.

We are told the animal centre has a "non-destruct" policy but sadly, the dog pound is unable to make that claim, and if it weren't for the caring staff at the pound and the efforts of the small charities who do their best to help wherever possible the needier animals in the council kennels, the dog pound could well be the last place some of these strays ever see.

The Wirral and Chester branch manager states that the branch relies on the goodwill of local people in Wirral and their donations to keep it in existence.

What a pity then that nobody there did anything to prevent so much of that goodwill being lost.

A couple of years ago the local RSPCA inspectorate decided to prosecute the wildlife lady from Rock Ferry and take her to court.

After that episode, a large number of Wirral people vowed they would never support the charity again and if that is the case, then the RSPCA have only themselves to blame for their dwindling funds.

Name and address supplied.