Just nine days into the New Year and already animal shelters across Sussex are finding it difficult to cope with abandoned pets (The Argus, January 9).

This is a country-wide problem, illustrated by Shoreham's Dog Trust Home, which has welcomed dogs into its care from different parts of England.

But pets and wildlife are still suffering at the hands of irresponsible thugs who misuse air rifles.

An example was Muppet the cat. It was severely injured, possibly blinded, by an air rifle (The Argus, January 3).

We still need to see pets protected more by tougher legislation.

New legislation to tighten up the purchasing of these rifles and their pellets will give greater protection to humans and animals.

Licences, compulsory micro-chipping and pet registration could protect our pets more.

It is too easy to obtain a pet and then ill-treat it. At times, I find it hard to believe England is renowned for its love of animals.

Fortunately, I can dismiss my doubts as I know and have met so many people who adore their pets or who strive to protect wildlife and these people are the majority.

-Gloria Wheatcroft, co-ordinator, Inner-City Wildife Concern, Brighton and Hove