I'm sure many people will have read the story of Button and her litter of 18 puppies with great interest and affection (Mercury, January 7).

However, I do hope that most of your readers will have read the very sad story of Gracie, the Rottweiler, featured underneath.

This story demonstrates the desperate plight at the other end of dog-breeding and the sheer numbers of unwanted animals it produces.

Poor Gracie was tied to railings outside Twycross Zoo on New Year's Eve. Weak, underweight and suffering from hypothermia, Gracie was left with nothing to shield her from the cold, but having miraculously survived, is now at an animal rescue centre.

Locally and nationally, animal shelters will be full to overflowing with wonderful dogs and cats, as well as a myriad other small animals, each requiring adoption.

Sadly, TV programmes, clever advertising and films do little to help curb people's desire for a perfectly-marked pedigree pet, while in reality, millions of unwanted animals languish in rescue centres – precious creatures, all too easily acquired, often with very little thought given to their ongoing care, and when they cease to amuse, or cost money for veterinary care, they are all too casually and easily disposed of.

What a terribly sad indictment on our society!

Linda J Bodicoat, Earl Shilton.