ANIMAL farming is not a charitable cause - it is a cold-blooded business!

If those making a living from animals in the meat, dairy and food producing industry are not insured --why not?

If these same people are not looked after by their own unions and business bosses - why not? If these same people do not save for 'rainy days' - why not?

Perhaps decades of subsidies out of tax-payers' pockets have encouraged waste, irresponsibility, over-confidence in farming practises, by those involved in the industry.

Diseases and disasters in animal farming and meat and dairy food production are caused by humans somewhere in the industry. Not only do the innocent suffer most (in the main the poor animals) but the public in general always foot the bill, and those responsible escape justice.

Now we are asked to give financial support to farmers - who chose their way of life, which is to breed animals to be killed - and mostly at a very young age, and in disgusting circumstances: and for no better reason than you think it is natural and healthy for these poor animals to be butchered and eaten by you!!

It's time you gave some thought to the animals, your health risks, and the polluted environment resulting from every aspect of animal farming - including this foot and mouth tragedy.

Please give some thought also to the RSPCA and other animal welfare and rescue charities who are over stretched now and unable to undertake most fundraising activities because of restrictions caused by this foot and mouth disaster. They deserve and need public support more than any farmer could!

MRS MARJORIE POLLITT, (Vegan), Bidford Road, Cleeve Prior, Evesham.