THIS hype about the recession making people give up their pets is utter nonsense.

There will always be justified reasons for people giving up their animals, such as death, serious illness and moving house, but, in truth, the fact is that we now live in a throw-away society and people are using the idea put forward by the RSPCA as an excuse.

We only have to look back to the bird flu scare for proof of this.

Animal rescuers such as ourselves were inundated with all manner of birds under the poor guise of the owners being terrified of catching bird flu.

And just how much has a tin of dog/cat food gone up? Nowhere near enough to make animal lovers chuck out their beloved animals.

Even if the purse strings are affected, those of us who care for our animals simply cut back on one or two of the all too many luxuries we spoil ourselves with daily.

So, instead of injecting ideas into people’s heads, be positive and start making people responsible and accountable for their animals, which is what the Animal Welfare Act was supposed to do! Yet another total failure of this Labour government and one which they cannot deny.

Andrew Meads
Safewings Wildlife Conservation Projects