CHARITIES FOR ANIMALS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27396, 8 July 1954, Page 9

CHARITIES FOR ANIMALS

Generous Response By Public

CRITICISM OF THE ,FUNDS (From the London Correspondent of “The Press”) LONDON, June 24. Two of the main animal protection societies in Britain have been under fire from critics recently. They claim that since hospitals in Britain were nationalised in 1947, people who formerly gave charity to free hospitals have sent their donations to animal societies instead and the income of the societies has swollen rapidly. Last month. Sir Thomas Moore, Conservative M.P. for Ayr, was elected chairman of the National Canine Defence League after he had alleged that there was a reckless disregard of the society’s funds. The society with 8500 members, has an annual income of £75,000 and its assets are worth nearly £145,000.

Sir Thomas Moore, criticising some salaries and expenses paid by the society, said that the society were the -trustees of public money subscribed by well-meaning people throughout Britain for the benefit of dogs. He alleged that money was being wasted in such a way that it had created public alarm and that he would call a special meeting to investigate the finances of the league. Sweeping reforms in the organisation of the Royal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were also called for this week by a former chairman of the society, Dr. W. S. Russel Thomas. He -said that the society was one of the richest societies in Britain with a yearly income of £500,000 and with liquid assets of £BOO,OOO. In seven years, the income of the society had risen from £234,000 to £500,000.

Dr. Thomas said that in spite of its huge income, greater demands were being made on the public and the society’s branches for more money. He claimed that there was much duplication of animal Charities and that there was much waste of public money.

Replying to criticism, the secretary of the R.S.P.CA denied that there was any waste of the society’s fund. He said his organisation welcomed any inquiry into its organisation. The Home Secretary, Sir David Maxwell Fyfe, has already refused a request for a Royal Commission to inquire into animal protection societies.