Attitude to animals

Press, 2 December 1978, Page 12

Attitude to animals

Sir, — While acknowledging the facts contained in the article, “Cruelty to animals — it’s part of our heritage,” (November 28) may I raise another issue? Is it necessary to continue to cling or adhere to a heritage or tradition of a detrimental nature as allied to the "sport” of hunting animals. While so-called “pests” in the animal world have been subjected to man’s infliction of cruelty, particularly with methods of killing involving a slow dying process, there is, perhaps, now a gradual discernment of humane equipment such as improved

traps to alleviate pain. It may not be possible to bring an influence of thought over everyone, whether participants or not in the field of trapping or hunting, but as more people begin to change their patterns of thinking even to the extent of putting themselves in the animal’s position when pursued for death, which may not occur instantly, then a changing outlook will one day emerge. — Yours, etc., (Miss) N. TAYLOR. November 30, 1978.