Sir, - As the World Cup draws nearer, football fever is sweeping Ireland as it should, but that is no reason to overlook more serious matters.
Korea is a country which will benefit greatly from the World Cup, but while all of this excitement is going on, many poor animals are suffering immensely. Many people will know that it is thought of as tradition in Korea to eat dogs and cats, but not many know the horrific conditions in which these animals are kept before consumption.
Dogs and cats are thrown terrified into cages together without a second thought for their welfare and then they are cruelly killed. Cats are thrown into boiling pots of water while still alive!
This animal cruelty has been photographed and well documented by observers in Korea. Korea has very weak animal welfare laws and while there are people in Korea who are concerned about the treatment of these animals, there is very little that they can do about it.
If people could just bear this in mind while enjoying the World Cup and do a little to help, it may make a big difference. - Yours, etc.,
MARY CHUNDEE,
Friends of Animals
Rescue Centre,
Cullionbeg,
Mullingar,
Co Westmeath.