Carole, you are right about both children and animals suffering........ I am sorry if my post upset you, but my concern is that, if people do not know there is a problem, they will not contribute towards a solution. (Even if not financially then at least with positive thoughts and prayers for those people who face the cruelty daily, and try to help).

I know that the cruelty I describe in my post does not refer to everyone. I spent my first 6 months in Bahrain in blissfull ignorance - then I got Ally, and became involved with the BSPCA, and my whole perspective on things changed. In South Africa I supported children's charities (I still do, through debit orders from my account, even though I haven't lived there for nearly 3 years), but when I realised the size of the "animal problem" I made a decision to support an animal charity whilst I am here, and try to make a difference.

Again I am REALLY sorry if I upset anyone with my post - it's a subject that I feel very strongly about - and maybe I get carried away sometimes!????