I WRITE in response to A.R. McCarthy's letter "Help the aged, not the animals" (Letters, Jan 31).

I am a 58-year-old animal rights/welfare campaigner and would respectfully point out that animals and plants play an intricate and vital part in the living world.

He/she states that they have travelled considerably world-wide in four continents and visited the natural habitats of many wild animals. Why someone who is obviously not interested in animals should do so is beyond me.

This is probably why they cannot distinguish the difference between animals living freely in their natural habitat and the poor creatures in zoos which are kept behind bars like prisoners having committed no crime in the first place. Many animals in zoos are not endangered -- they are just there as an attraction for financial gain.

For the small amount of letters we get printed in The Citizen, I don't think we are getting more than our fair share and letters on all subjects are invited by the editor. Animals have no voice -- they need us to speak out for them. Surely everyone has the right of reply?

Regular readers will know The Citizen is an animal-friendly newspaper that promoted responsible pet ownership and kindness to animals and not long ago took on the plight of the elephants at Blackpool Zoo.

As for the arrogance of saying we should help the aged and not animals, I would just like to say, voluntary work carries no financial reward and is the choice of the individual. Sadly, many people do none at all!

Mrs J Harwood,

Moor Park Ave,

Bispham.