On my way to work in Worthing last Thursday evening I found an injured seagull lying in the road.

I put the bird into a box and, being a supporter of WADARS, rang the number at about 7am. The answering machine advised me to ring the RSPCA.

The RSPCA advised me at 8am it would be able to collect the bird at approximately 9am. At 10am, there was still no sign of the RSPCA. The bird was obviously in need of immediate treatment.

My colleague suggested I ring the veterinary practice at Grove Lodge. It was now 10am, and I was told the bird could be taken to them as WADARS collects injured animals twice a day.

I delivered the bird at approximately 10.15am. I asked what would happen to it and was told it would be seen as soon as a veterinary officer was available.

On my arrival, the seagull was taken by a veterinary nurse and I was told it did not look too good. I was very surprised that no one from WADARS was available yet one of the ambulances was in the car park at Grove Lodge.

WADARS maintains it has animals arriving into its care all the time.

Animals and birds are injured 24 hours a day and require help at all times.

What has happened to the service WADARS publicises and receives donations for?

My colleague received a call later that day from Grove Lodge to be told the bird had died. I am certain if this creature had been seen immediately, it would have survived.

The RSPCA eventually turned up at my place of work at 11.20am.

-D Wood, djwreply@msn.com