I AM writing with regards to the appalling behaviour of the so-called animal rights protesters outside KFC on Saturday, May 10.

I can fully appreciate their need to express their views with regards to animal cruelty and would not stand in the way of anyone expressing their opinions.

However, forcing graphic pictures into children's hands, pictures which have a cartoon icon slaughtering a chicken, was not necessary.

Neither were the abusive comments which were made to customers, ie 'If you let your children eat this chicken, they will die'.

I am all for freedom of speech but they obviously do not have much faith in their convictions if they need to resort to abusive insults and threatening behaviour.

We live in a world where freedom of speech is permitted and I do not have a problem with that, but I think it is absolutely ridiculous that people are being threatened while they are making their own choices.

I am requesting that my name and address be withheld as I myself was verbally abused and do not wish any recriminations.

I would just wish these people would stop forcing their opinions onto innocent people who do not require them.

Name and address supplied