In the case of the RSPCA, and specifically here the Blackberry Farm Animal Centre near Quainton, donations are used to look after the animals in its care.

Many of the animals, which arrive at Blackberry Farm have been treated cruelly in the past.

Some have been abandoned altogether by their owners who realise that they are unable to commit to looking after an animal.

The dedicated work of the staff at the centre means many, if not all, recover from this difficult period in their lives and are sent to new homes where they will receive the love and attention they deserve.

But some may have been denied this opportunity thanks to the reprehensible actions of James Gibson who is beginning a three month prison sentence after he stole £1,024 from people adopting animals from the charity.

As recognised by Judge Seddon Cripps at Aylesbury Crown Court, Gibson's actions were a serious breach of trust.

The theft of £1,024 may not seem like a crime that deserves a prison sentence but the issues here run a lot deeper than that.

Gibson has bitten the hand that feeds the RSPCA and threatened the level of care it provides.

We can only hope it has not dissuaded people from putting their hands in their pockets.

People like James Gibson are very much in the minority.

Without the unerring efforts of RSPCA staff, life would be harder for a lot of animals.

Now Gibson is behind bars, they can focus on putting their efforts where they are needed.