The biggest exhibition of animal welfare groups and companies in Europe to date is opening from 21 to 23 April at the Barbican Centre, London.

The Animal World Show aims to broaden the public appeal of animal welfare issues.The range of animal charities and the types of activities they are involved in is quite bewildering, especially if one looks beyond the high-profile organisations such as the RSPCA and the RSPB.

Indeed, most people can recall what these initials stand for without any prompting.

But the smaller, perhaps more specialist, animal charities are equally deserving of support.A potential donor may derive particular satisfaction from knowing that their support would reach an organisation dealing with issues of special concern to themselves.Solicitors are uniquely placed to direct questions that will help their clients to identify charities they may consider supporting.

What type of organisations, animals or issues are of concern to them? Would they prefer to support the conservation of endangered species and their habitats, or provide immediate relief from suffering of work animals abroad?Do they have one favourite charity or would they consider supporting a range of animal welfare organisations, such as wildlife conservation charities, those that provide care, shelter or protection, practical technical charities, and some which cover very specific needs, such as Guide Dogs for the Blind.The campaigning organisations highlight problems, bring them to the attention of the public and stimulate the support required to instigate changes in man's treatment of animals.

Their appeals may be to ban current practi ces such as fur-trapping, sport hunting, animal experimentation or the live transportation of food animals.Respect for Animals, League Against Cruel Sports and Compassion in World Farming are examples which spring to mind in association with particular campaigns and media coverage.Animal shelters and hospitals are there to help alleviate the more immediate problems of hurt, stray or abandoned animals.

Where possible, animals receive veterinary treatment and care, are found new homes or receive protection if they cannot be returned to the wild following injury.The technical animal welfare charities tackle issues most of us would prefer not to think too much about, like when and how to dispose of horses humanely and how to improve the lives of caged animals.Studies of bears and their behavioural needs by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare have shown that much can be done through environmental enrichment to improve the conditions in which these animals are kept.Animals need solicitors.

The law may protect animals, but it does not provide for them.

Solicitors are an important link in the chain of support between those wishing to help animals through legacies and the charities working to improve animal welfare.