HOW many members of the Countryside Alliance does it take to write a letter defending animal cruelty? It seems that the answer is at least seven, as that is the number of different people whose names have come at the end of an identical letter that has been printed in nineteen newspapers, including one David Stocker in your paper (August 16).

With so many authors devising the argument, one might expect a more reasoned defence. But no, we are fed the same tired rationalisations in favour of what amounts to tormenting animals for fun.

At People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, we are all in favour of conservation, bonding with one's family, exercise, getting fresh air and sunlight and so on. But we can do all these things without tricking small animals into impaling themselves on sharp hooks.

The UK government requires the same protocols for experiments on fish as it does for experiments on all other animals, because the scientific consensus is absolutely unanimous: Fish feel pain in the same way that mammals and birds do. Jacques Cousteau addressed the issue specifically, stating that "to reassure one's conscience, it is often said that fish don't feel pain. Of course, such claims are completely without foundation."

The next time you want to enjoy the great outdoors, take along some binoculars, a camera and a bag to pick up debris from the trails and waterways. But leave the rod and reel behind. Because if you are fishing, you are causing fear, distress and often death to animals, and you are doing it for no reason other than your own personal pleasure.

Bruce G. Friedrich

Senior Campaign Coordinator

PETA,

PETA Europe

PO Box 3169

London SW 18 4WJ.