Prize animals
Sir: The implication in Mr Shrimsley's letter (May 25) is that this Society's co-operation in the Sun's "animals for prizes" competitions carries with it a measure of approval. Not true. Our co-operation merely takes the form of surveillance of animals and their new owners and homes at the time of and after prize distribution. We cannot stop such competitions, although they run. contrary to our experience of the right way to bring animals and humans together.
The Sun's proprietors may show a strongsense of responsibilityin the way they run their ahimal promotions. The fact is that the motives for buying an animal or attempting to win one free, differ. The first act involves a positive motive to acquire a pet or work animal and presupposes some awareness of continuing ownership responsibilities. No such attitudes apply to prize pets given, perhaps, by journals less respected than the Sun, and leading to more unwanted strays or neglected animals.
We may co-operate but we do not approve of such competitions.
R. F. Seage-r
Executive Director,' Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Manor House, Horsham, Sussex
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