AT A time when campaigns against cruelty to animals have had some successes and some setbacks, Animal Aid's message is that all cruelty to animals needs to be stopped - and they get results.

They stopped the largest annual exhibition of birds trapped in the wild, and they played the central role in the successful campaign to prevent the building of a massive new monkey research laboratory in Cambridge. They have also successfully campaigned against the sale of pets in environments that encourage impulse buys.

Recently Wyevale Garden Centres announced an end to animal sales. Before that the Focus DIY chain quit pet trading. They get these results by lobbying MPs, debating issues on national television and radio, organising demonstrations and exhibitions and conducting investigations.

They also have four campaign websites and an active high-profile youth group.

Animal Aid receives no state funding and relies on individual people's generosity to fund its vital and successful work. If you would like to make a donation, or find out more about what we do, please phone Animal Aid on 01732 364546 (website at www.animalaid.org.uk) and help Animal Aid to prevent animal cruelty.

Tony Benn, Animal Aid patron, C/O The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent