CLAIRE Baron wrote about the adoption policy of the RSPCA York and district branch (June 24).

Because of unfortunate instances of anti-social behaviour at the Water Lane centre, the trustees have changed how it operates.

We wish to ensure the health and safety of the staff, volunteers and members of the public who attend the centre.

We now ask people to agree to a home visit before they see the animals. This is to ensure that those wishing to adopt one of our animals understands fully the implications of taking on a pet and what responsible pet ownership means.

The home visit also enables us to ensure the environment offered by the adopter will meet the needs of the animal.

What we want to avoid is one of our animals to be re-homed only to be returned shortly afterwards because either the environment or adopter was not compatible with the animal.

The £50 price-tag Claire refers to is, in fact, an adoption fee which pays towards the neutering, full vaccination and microchipping of the cat or kitten.

To pay for these essential procedures privately would cost much more than £50.

We are not seeking to make a profit. However, we want new owners to appreciate that pet ownership does have a cost and, by charging a realistic adoption fee, we are trying to promote responsible pet ownership.

York RSPCA has an amazing selection of beautiful cats and kittens all needing a good home with responsible pet owners. Older cats are not passed by, far from it, there is always some kind person ready to offer them a loving home.

I am sorry Claire is unhappy with the changes at the centre, but I hope she now understands what we are trying to achieve.

Eileen Taylor,

Hon. Secretary,

RSPCA York & district branch,

Landing Lane,

York.

Updated: 10:32 Wednesday, June 29, 2005