MR Anthony King (letters, August 8) has hit on an interesting point. You have recently printed a spate of long-winded letters about real or alleged cruelty to animals. I haven’t seen any similar letters about Gary McKinnon, or the ex-ballerina who was refused carers, or the things which go on in certain hospitals or care homes.

But then, this is the silly season.

RALPH LEAVIS Jourdain road Blackbird Leys, Oxford