The fact that we need an organisation like the NSPCC has always struck me as a bit odd. Surely we have Social Services to deal with child neglect/abuse and the like? That's what I'd like to believe but Social Services have proved time and time again that they just aren't capable of protecting every little kiddie who needs their protection despite being a huge Gov't funded department. That being the case, the Gov't should subsidise the NSPCC then they wouldn't need to rely on charity to carry out their excellent work. In fact if the National Lottery can find £800 million for the bloody Great Millenium Dome Disaster then why can't they finance the NSPCC I wonder? - this might even tempt me into spending some dosh on the lottery again despite the impossible odds. On the subject of animals, my dog Sam died 5 years ago at the young age of 8 and I still miss him like hell even though he used to bite most of my mates! Anyway, I donate to the RSPCA whenever an envelope arrives through the door but just to redress the balance I also give to the NSPCC 'cos I know the Gov't and Lottery have much more important priorities.......