Sir, – Thanks to Gerry Boland for his thought-provoking letter (March 27th). It breaks my heart when I think of the horrific pain, misery and suffering we humans inflict on these sentient creatures, on such a massive scale. Whatever the species, the thing we share in common is that which is most precious to all of us: life. Just because animals are vulnerable and unable to prevent it, doesn’t give people the right to take their lives from them. I sometimes think I am alone in the world with these views, which are often seen as contrary and extreme by people who would otherwise condemn violence and regard themselves to be staunchly against animal cruelty. However, with Gerry’s letter, at least I know there’s some hope. – Yours, etc,
ALISON PICKETT,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.