I REPLY to the letter of A. McCarthy (Letters, January 31). As a newcomer to the area I have read with interest the debate re Blackpool Zoo.

I read about their methods used re elephants in the Born Free organisation's literature. They also believed this to be barbaric. I object to the sweeping assumptions made by A. McCarthy re "so-called animal rights campaigners".

I am one, and I am also a registered nurse who has done much work looking after elderly and terminally ill people. I have campaigned for and raised funds for many other charities besides animal ones. I have met with this bigoted attitude before when freezing on street corners collecting for animal charities. Why don't you help humans? I do, Mr McCarthy, and I think you will find many animal rights people are good-hearted people who care about many other issues too!

By ignoring the plight of animals it will not make this a better world or help the "needs of society". What have you done for humans or animals Mr McCarthy?

Kathy Musker BSc RGN Dip HS,

Longacre Place,

Lytham.