I AM absolutely horrified and appalled at the needless slaughter of innocent animals in Cumbria.

If they were being slaughtered for food that would be bad enough, but this is just in the false hope of stopping the spread of foot-and-mouth disease when it is already widespread and far too late.

These animals, who trust in our guardianship, run so readily down the steps of the lorries thinking they are going into a nice field, when instead they are to be annihilated.

Such cruelty is intolerable. But, mark my words - the evil that caused this catastrophe will have to be paid for eventually - make no mistake about that.

The only saving grace in all this tragedy will be if it results in the banning of all live exports of animals for human consumption and also the restriction on the length of journeys which animals must endure in their own country.

When my maternal grandfather farmed in Warwickshire years ago his animals only went to market within the distance they could be steadily driven.

They were fine animals and never suffered unnecessary stress, being well cared for at all times from birth to death.

Some of the changes that have been allowed to take place within the agricultural industry under the misguided name of progress are a disgrace to our society.

MISS R HUMPHREYS,

Worcester.