THE animals in Blackpool Zoo are once again in the news. A reader praises Coun Callow for her concern that elephants perform circus tricks to entertain zoo patrons. However, I understand from television programmes featuring animal behaviour experts that it is far better for animals to have something stimulating to do, another example being chimpanzees on swings, sea lions performing at meal times, llamas pulling carts equipped with seats etc.

We are also reliably informed that captive animals are fitter and healthier and live longer than those in the wild and, but for the breeding programmes in zoos, many of these wonderful animals would very soon become extinct. A fate of many species already is a point one should consider.

Being an animal lover myself I am keenly interested in their welfare. I readily admit I do love our zoo here in Blackpool. People have the opportunity to see animals in the flesh so to speak. They would never ever have the opportunity to see them in the wild and I believe our zoo animals are generally well fed and cared for in good surroundings.

I wonder if the councillor is concerned that many large dogs live with families in small houses, often kept in small yards with insufficient exercise etc, a situation that is far from being an ideal home for them? Or would criticising those situations offend some Blackpool voters? Far easier to attack the zoo isn't it.

Cruelty is practised every time fox hunting takes place. Why would any civilised human being want to witness creatures being torn apart by dogs trained specifically to do just that? And they call that sport. Fox hunting is a relic of the past along with cock fighting and bear baiting. It is demeaning to all of us who live in a society that allows it.

I suggest J Harwood should ask which councillors support or oppose fox hunting before making wild assumptions as to who does and who does not care for animals.

North Shore businessman

(name and address supplied).