Many readers have contacted this column in response to last week's item about the traditional practice in some hill-farming areas of tying sheepdogs for days beside mountain roads or tracks to prevent sheep straying.
Most people were concerned and frustrated and wanted to know what, if anything, they could do to help end this practice, against which the SPCA has long campaigned.
As was pointed out, the society has met considerable difficulties, both in monitoring the extent of this problem and in attempting to control or eliminate it.
Some farmers responded well to approaches and took steps to improve conditions for the dogs; others have been less receptive to suggestions.
The SPCA, while not averse to taking legal action in cases of blatant cruelty and where the difficult burden of sufficient proof to sustain court proceedings can be dealt with, has stressed that the long-term solution lies in reeducation.
People can assist to a certain degree by carefully recording and reporting cases they may come across, by raising the issue in correspondence with farming media, and by generally supporting the diligent efforts of the SPCA.