14 FEBRUARY 1931, Page 20

THE R.S.P.C.A. AND THE DOGS' PROTECTION BILL [To the Editor

of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—May I be permitted through the medium of your columns to draw Sir Robert Gower's attention to the fact that not a few people are of opinion that " the fear of offending certain people in prominent positions " accounted for the action of the R.S:P.C.A. in suddenly dropping their support of the Dogs' Protection Bill ? Why this Society should, in effect, hand over without protest " man's best friend " to the tender mercies of the laboratory research worker passes the comprehension of a plain man like myself.—I am, Sir, &c., EDWIN M. BEEDELL.

" Wanstead," 18 Pembroke Avenue, Hove.