Abuse of animals does not only involve cruelty

Speaking as one of the ‘welfare brigade’ who according to Ms St Clair: “hang around the University of Oxford science area”, I wish to challenge the assumption that we “failed to notice this Crunchy Rescue”. Far from not noticing animal abuse, most of us give homes to animals rescued from cruelty that end up in animal sanctuaries or RSPCA centres.

I do wonder though if Ms St Clair would have been so interested by our perceived lack of concern had the animals from Crunchy Rescue been handed over to Oxford University for experimentation. Suffering is not the sole preserve of animals neglected in domestic situations. Strong scientific and observational evidence supports the view that animals suffer severe psychological as well as physical torment in laboratory conditions.

If Ms St Clair wishes to attack animal rights campaigners protesting against animal experiments at Oxford University, then she should not hide behind assumptions about their motivations.

PETER AND PAULINE BROUGHTON Welford Road Northampton