Sir,

I was dismayed to see in Meyrick Brown's column in the Observer, the repetition of quotes attacking the RSPCA, including suggestions by the Countryside Alliance that people should stop donating to the RSPCA, which saves thousands of animals from cruelty each year.

This is part of a media campaign by a minority who want to see the hunting laws repealed so that they can chase foxes over long distances and kill them with packs of hounds.

On the issue of livestock, the RSPCA has rightly favoured the science-based vaccination of badgers, as opposed to the culling of badgers which has proved shambolic in England, resulting in computer games of badgers moving goal posts.

I would urge pet owners, animal lovers and the farming community to continue their support of the RSPCA. I have lived in the countryside most of my life and will personally be donating to this fantastic organisation in 2014 and am proud to do so.

Roger Coombs,