MANY tributes are being paid to animal welfare campaigner Frances Miller, who died at her home in Aberporth on Saturday (February 19).

She had been involved in several local and international charities for many years and had been active in the Ceredigion branch of the RSPCA since she moved to Parc Llwyd with her late husband, Peter, more than 20 years ago.

She had held all offices in the branch, including secretary, treasurer and rehoming co-ordinator - sometimes more than one at a time.

Mrs Miller established many animal welfare schemes in Ceredigion and promoted the Cats Protection neutering scheme wherever she could. Much of her work involved helping pet owners with their vet bills.

In 1998 Mr and Mrs Miller set up the Gambicats charity, which works for the welfare of dogs and cats in The Gambia.

A former chair of Ceredigion RSPCA, Sally Learoyd, said: “As well as fulfilling many roles on the committee, her preference was always to be the first point of contact for any animal which was suffering and needed help.

“She ran, more or less single-handedly, a 24-hour animal welfare telephone line to give advice to members of the public, and often attended wildlife calls herself, when the charity’s inspectors were on duty elsewhere.

“Clearly she will be greatly missed but I am sure that the RSPCA in Ceredigion will continue its good work in honour of her memory.”

Former RSPCA inspector for Ceredigion, Richard Abbott, who worked with Mrs Miller for many years, said: “I am saddened to hear that Frances has passed. I recall fondly that she was strong-willed and prepared to do the hard work in raising much-needed funds for animals in Ceredigion. She was a fierce defender of animal rights.

“When I rang for support Frances was there and when I needed funds to help an animal owner in crisis she was always there.”

The public funeral service will be at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, on Friday, March 4 at 3.15pm.