Sir, - I would like to add my voice to Mr Fitzgerald's letter on the infiltration of the ISPCA by pro bloodsports activists. I have recently been a victim of such infiltration. I was on my local SPCA committee for a few years elected treasurer two years ago, and had done at least my share of work for the SPCA and animals. In May this year, a large number of pro foxhunting and pro coursing supporters and their families having recently joined the SPCA (some on the night), attended a general meeting and swept aside considerations of working for animals and removed me and five other good workers for one simple reason - we were opposed to blood sports.
The SPCA, and the animals it is intended to protect, have lost our services and they will not be replaced by those who voted us out their task was to protect foxhunting and coursing, not the animals involved. If repeated in other SPCAs, which seems very likely, the implications for animal welfare in Ireland are frightening.
The ISPCA really must tackle this issue if it is to implement its understanding that "we care for all animals". - Yours, etc.,
Garryteige,
Newport,
North Tipperary.