Like many of your readers, I was shocked and appalled at the condition of the dog which featured in Cornish Times recently. I found this article even more distressing as I was 'the member of the public' who found the animal, which was not wandering the streets as in your article but was hardly able to stand. My partner and I took Rags, as he is now named, to a local vet, and not to the practice where our own animals are registered, late on the Saturday night. The vet advised that the RSPCA would be in contact due to the neglect the animal had suffered and would ask for further details. We left our contact numbers and asked if we could visit the dog on Monday to see how he was doing and we also offered a home for him. Nobody contacted us on Monday so I rang the practice direct and whilst speaking to a member of staff there was asked if I could spare a few minutes to speak to the RSPCA inspector. Whilst doing so, we received no thanks from him for bringing the dog into the protection of the surgery and were merely asked if the dog belonged to us, if we knew who did own him and the exact location of where he was found. I asked the vet dealing with the case if a home was likely to be found and if we would be considered. I was advised that someone would contact me further after they had spoken to the RSPCA. Unfortunately no-one did contact me and the next time I phoned the practice I was asked to no longer call them as they could not give me any information as it would be a breach of confidentiality. I was asked to direct all calls to Animal Welfare at Caradon. I was pleased to speak to Checkie Taylor from Animal Welfare who thanked me for my call but said that they had received a high number of calls regarding the dog and I would have to sit tight for any further information. It never ceases to amaze me that people are unable to take the initiative to visit a local rescue centre to re-home a neglected animal but are always very quick to pick up the phone when one is well publicised in the local newspapers or on the tea- time news. We do hope that on this occasion "Rags does turn into riches" and spends the rest of his days with someone who will give him the love and care which he has sorely missed out on in the past.

KATE MATTHEWS Liskeard