stated that the goat pictured was adopted. The registered pure-bred Lamancha belongs to Mr. David Burrows.

The rise of violent crime in Bermuda involves animals as well as people. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's President Mrs. Penny Harvey said there had definitely been an increase in animal cruelty cases this year.

She said: "If a person will abuse another person who can defend themselves, then of course they are going to abuse an animal which cannot.'' "One hundred percent of the people who have been abusive to animals have also been abusive to people. There will be a case coming up in court shortly that will horrify people when they realise who it is.'' Mrs. Harvey would not say any more about it.

However some abuse cases were not because of cruelty but because of ignorance stressed Mrs. Harvey. "Some people do not know how to look after the animal properly so we will explain how to do it and monitor the situation. Nine out of ten of those work out okay.'' Mrs. Harvey said there were other options to dealing with unwanted pets which did not involve cruelty. The animal could be taken to the vet but if the owner could not afford it then the SPCA would help.

Owners would not be "grilled'' about why they wanted to give up their pet and everything would be done to find it a new home. "We do not euthanise animals at the SPCA unless they are seriously injured and cannot be saved or are suffering.'' She said adoptions had increased at the SPCA and there was a waiting list for different animals which meant that many animals which were brought in were going to new homes straight away.

The society checked the background of prospective owners and did their best to ensure the new animal would be correctly looked after. Once the animal went to its new home the society monitored it over the first six months. If there was a problem, the animal was brought back to the shelter.

Mrs. Harvey explained that the society was a charitable organisation which relied on its fund raising efforts to make money. The Fun Fair on Saturday along with the Tag Day were its largest events.

She said the Tag Day was washed out this year by heavy rain but the society had received a late boost from two anonymous supporters who donated $5,500 between them.

Mrs. Harvey said this year's Fun Fair at the Botanical Gardens went "wonderfully'' with 11 kittens, five cats and four guinea-pigs being adopted.

"The car parks were all full -- we sold out of raffle tickets and we sold out of food!'' There were pony rides, talks, and plenty of hands-on displays for children with all types of domestic animals on show said Mrs. Harvey.

She said Bermuda Poultry Fanciers, the Fry-Angle Club, Bermuda Cat Fanciers Association, Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau, The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and David Lopes' Petting Zoo were all represented.

Last night SPCA accountant Mr. Pell Price said it was "too early for figures but it appears to have been a successful year''.

Mrs. Harvey said she wanted to remind the public that the SPCA was not only for cats and dogs but also dealt with other animals including calves, goats, horses, pigeons and even guinea-pigs.

SPCA Inspector Mr. Louis Ray said the society was providing "a lot of necessary guidance'' to animal owners by correcting the individual mistakes they made.

And the emaciated pit bull which appeared in The Royal Gazette on October 4 had gained seven pounds and was "doing fine'', said Mr. Ray.