So many pets die because they are abandoned and left to fend for themselves.

The story of a little girl kitten came to my knowledge in early April. She had been dumped and found near a community hall. She wouldn't have been any more than five months old and had a beautiful nature. When she came into care she was literally skin and bones. And despite receiving veterinary care, food and lots of love, her little body could take no more and she passed away four days later.

This should never have happened.

If people desex their pets unwanted litters would never be born.

Hunter Animal Watch is there to help people who are on health care cards and pensions to desex their pets.

The RSPCA is there to take unwanted pets. It is incredibly gutless to dump a pet and then think it will defend itself or someone will find it. It doesn't happen.

So it's up to us, humans, and the guardians of cats and dogs to be responsible.

Desex your pet and save a life and lots of heartache.

Robyn Charlton,

Kids for Pets

Thank-you

I would like to praise the work of the John Hunter Hospital and nursing staff.

I have on three occasions had to be hospitalised at the John Hunter Hospital, once for open heart surgery, once for double hernia surgery and more recently under observation for chest pains.

On each occasion the treatment and care received was of the highest standard, and my praise for the nurses and doctors beyond words.

I believe that they are doing a wonderful job under the prevailing conditions of the health system.

You wonderful nurses, doctors and staff, keep up the good work, we cannot do without you.

I have one little complaint, which is - can we have softer beds?

Raymond Brent,

Kilaben Bay

What about Newcastle and the lake?

Congratulations to the RSPCA on the plans for the new facilities to be built at Rutherford.

The RSPCA has served Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Councils well, but I have some questions.

1. If I find an animal in distress or hurt on the road, what do I do? Wait for the RSPCA ambulance to come from Rutherford?

2. If the RSPCA is the pound - what will happen to impounded animals?

3. If I want to buy a pet from the RSPCA why should I have to go to Rutherford?

According to The Star's recent report, considering there are nine impounded dogs, five dogs and several cats surrendered in one day what will happen when the RSPCA moves to Rutherford - do you really think people will travel to Rutherford to do this? I think not!

As good as it will be for the Maitland District is there no RSPCA service for cities the size of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie?

My congratulations to the animals of the Maitland district.

My sympathy to the animals of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Edna Thompson,

Garden Suburb