As an animal lover with 2 dogs & 3 cats, I was concerned, but not surprised, by the appointment of Jackie Ballard – who has no financial experience – as director-general of the RSPCA, which has an £8 million shortfall.

From the grassroots of local branches there is a distinct lack of financial expertise & an ethos of political correctness.

As a retired chartered banker, it quickly became clear to me that the branch for which I worked could not possibly survive in the long term. Having spent most of its capital – a substantial sum – on a project to house 21 cats & a substantial number of staff that would cost an estimated £800 a day to run, it is hardly surprising that I questioned the viability of the project.

My financial support now goes to the smaller animal charities & not this giant, politically correct beast that has spent an extortionate £17 million on its new headquarters.