Letter: Animal wrongs

Sir: Following the furore in the press surrounding the hunger strike of a single animal rights activist, we feel it is important to point out that this tiny minority is far outweighed by the great many animal welfare supporters who are involved in peaceful campaigns against cruelty to animals.

Naturewatch has been democratically lobbying MPs and industry for a Royal Commission into animal experiments for the past three years and has gained the cross-party support of 248 MPs. There are substantial arguments for the establishment of a Royal Commission, which Naturewatch will continue to put forward through legal means.

The violent activities of the extremist animal activists are guaranteed media coverage. Why shouldn't law-abiding campaigning work merit just as much attention?

JOHN RUANE

Director

Naturewatch

Cheltenham,

Gloucestershire