HAVING had a very merry Christmas, indulging in festive food and drink and general seasonal revelry, now comes the time to make New Year's resolutions. In 2004, why not pledge to go veggie? It's good for us and our fellow animals.

Giving up meat will reduce your chance of dying prematurely from one of the three biggest killers : cancer, heart attack and stroke. You will also stand less chance of suffering from heart disease and obesity.

The majority of meat consumed today comes from animals raised in factory farms, where they are treated as unfeeling milk and meat machines. They live miserable, short lives in cramped conditions, unable to fulfil any of their instinctive behaviour. All die a terrifying death. Help stop this suffering by taking a veggie pledge today.

AJAYE CURRY, Animal Aid, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent.