for the Protection of Animals to kick off the group's annual membership drive.

And William Frith said: "This $10 for membership is one of the best deals going.'' The deputy mayor was speaking at City Hall as he handed his membership fee over to campaign organiser Catherine Guffy.

He said: "I certainly offer our congratulations to the SPCA and the campaign chairman for a very successful fund-raising campaign.'' Yesterday membership desks were set up at lunch outside the Bank of Bermuda in Par La Ville Road and outside the MarketPlace in Church Street.

And today a desk will be in place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the MarketPlace.

Ms Guffy urged members of the public to join the battle against cruelty to animals by signing up.

She said: "The membership fees pay for animals' food and shelter, maintenance and the day-to-day operating activities -- they're very important, even crucial to our work.'' SPCA president Joanne MacPhee said membership currently stood at around 720.

She added: "It's a very low number -- we are looking to at least double that.'' Membership starts at $5 for junior membership, the adult subscription is $10 and families can join for $25.

Business can also get in on the act with corporate membership at $100, while sponsorship comes in at $1,000. Becoming a patron costs $2,500.

Ms Guffy said: "I would encourage people to come out and participate -- junior members are particularly important because to it awakens children's awareness of animal issues.

"It makes them feel empowered to help -- and even five dollars is a lot -- it's food.'' She added: "Animals just give so much and they expect so little -- it's the least we can do to feed them, house them and treat them with respect.'' Ms MacPhee also presented VSB chief Mike Bishop with a certificate of appreciation and life membership of the society in recognition of his regular animal adoption spots on TV.

She told Mr. Bishop: "I'd like to thank you for your outstanding work over the last few years on the plight of animals at our shelter.'' ANIMAL AID -- Deputy Mayor William Frith hadns a donation to SPCA organiser Catherine Guffy.

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