Sir, - May I draw your readers' attention to the plight of our animal friends, who so often suffer horribly at this time of year?
Cats, dogs, horses and others are often the cruel targets of sick and misguided people in the days approaching October 31st. The fact that many of these offences are carried out by young children and adolescents is particularly depressing.
Pet owners need to be very vigilant and ensure their animals either sleep indoors or in secure accommodation. As for stray animals, cats and kittens are especially at risk, and animal welfare societies need more resources to deal with these issues and to fund education programmes in schools.
This, together with more neutering programmes, and tougher penalties for perpetrators of animal cruelty, is probably our best hope for the future. - Yours, etc.,
Ruth L. Collier, Coulson Avenue, Rathgar, Dublin 6.