IN response to Mrs L Smith's letter ("Soapbox: The truth

about pet rehoming centres", Open Lines, August 12), I would

like to know how she thinks we would be able to continue to

function and give our rescues the level of care they deserve,

if we did not ask for a financial contribution.

Most of our animals come to us unvaccinated, unneutered and

needing veterinary treatment. The yearly cost of running Holly

Hedge Animal Sanctuary to a high standard is £390,000. Our

rehoming fees amounted to £31,000 last year.

We are not a profit-making organisation – unlike some

unscrupulous breeders. The majority of our rescued animals go

to their new homes neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed,

de-flead and vet checked.

Puppies and kittens too young to be neutered go out with

cards that have to be signed and stamped by a veterinary

surgeon and sent back to us. All relevant information is

entered on the database, including the date neutering should be

due.

If we do not get the cards back on time, then we chase them

up to ensure this is carried out. We do follow through (as do

most other reputable charities) and do our utmost to ensure all

our rescues go to caring, responsible owners. Anyone adopting a

puppy from us also signs a declaration promising to take their

pet to socialisation classes and then on to basic obedience

training. We promote responsible pet ownership. Again, this is

followed through.

Holly Hedge plays a large part in rescuing abandoned and

unwanted animals, including taking in strays off the street at

night and weekends. Elderly animals are rehomed with the

promise the sanctuary will pay age-related vet bills for the

rest of their lives.

Unfortunately, we cannot help every single animal phoned in

to us as the problem is insurmountable, but we do as much as is

humanly possible – and more.

I would like to invite Mrs Smith to visit Holly Hedge to see

the work carried out by our dedicated staff, and meet our

rescues. I am sure it will I sincerely hope we will always be

able to provide a safe haven for abused and unwanted animals,

but we cannot exist on love for them alone.

Pauline Leeson, founder, Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary.