SIR – I despair when I read letters defending medical experiments on animals. I can only assume such people are without compassion and/or ignorant of the appalling suffering of millions of sentient beings each year.

Using animals is akin to using babies. They are just as helpless and depend on those around them not to abuse them. I’m convinced if the public was to actually see the suffering involved, from birth to death of animals within the research laboratory (of course no government will permit this!) this vile industry would cease over night.

MRS MARILYN BROWN,

Great Witley