MADAM - I was disappointed to see such a provocative headline in the February 26, edition of the Stroud News & Journal.

‘Callous’, I felt, did not describe what the owner had done to the dog found by the RSPCA railings in Lansdown, Stroud.

The dog was clearly well fed and probably a loved family pet.

Please don’t judge the decisions people must make daily in this time of financial hardship without knowing the full story.

Some Stroud people are having to choose between feeding their family or keeping them warm, never mind seeking very expensive vet treatment.

I can’t imagine for one moment that their decision was made lightly and in my opinion they took the dog to the right place.

Lucy Attrill

Rodborough

lEditor’s note:

We absolutely agree that these are tough financial times and this must have been a hard decision. However, our point was that there is no reason to abandon an animal in this way, leaving it tied up in the cold for hours. The RSPCA is more than willing to talk to owners and to help find a solution.