Further to Mr Root’s observations and comments about dogs being imported from abroad (Pet charities must begin at home, Have Your Say, April 29), I feel I must reply in order to explain more of what my charity, Friends of the Strays of Greece, actually seeks to achieve.

In Greece there is no place for animal welfare and, during the 20 years I have dedicated to trying to alleviate tremendous unnecessary suffering, I have witnessed dogs and cats starved, poisoned, shot, hanged and worse.

A true animal lover will help any animal, wherever it is born. My charity’s contribution to these animals makes a real difference and British visitors to Greece commend our work because they have witnessed such shocking sights.

Mr Root’s main complaint is regarding homing Greek animals into the UK. I can advise him that homing is not our priority.

Instead, we concentrate our efforts on veterinary care (we have voluntary vets and nurses who give their time) and we have an extensive neutering programme. We also help provide shelters and food for just a tiny proportion of the strays on the streets.

As a result of public demand, we do bring in around 30 dogs a year. We are frequently approached by local people who have been looking to adopt a rescue dog for many months and, for some reason or another, these people do not meet the required criteria of other charities. I always ask why they want a Greek dog. Our dogs have made many families very happy and several elderly people have much-needed companionship as a result of our work. Therefore, I make no apologies for doing this and I know that our supporters would agree. LYN PURDEN, chairman, Friends of the Strays of Greece