I AM surprised that J Ellery thinks that milking cows don't go for slaughter. Worn-out dairy cows (pedigrees as well) are not retired.

They are sent either through markets or directly to be slaughtered and then there bodies are incinerated, as no cow over 30 months old is allowed into the food chain.

Dairy cows' fate is the same as for their offspring's death.

The only way to stop the mass slaughter of animals is to go vegetarian. For more inforation on going vegetarian, contact: Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford St, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1AW, tel: 01732 364546.

PAULINE BURGESS, Malvern Link.