FOLLOWING the decision of Blackburn magistrates to deny Mary Stanton's appeal to renew her licence to keep wild animals (LET, November 30), I would like to congratulate the environmental health officers concerned for taking a difficult decision in the face of unfair criticism and the magistrates for having common sense.

In addition, I would like to invite Julian Pilling, one of Mrs Stanton's supporters (Letters, October 27) to try to justify his facts about the conditions the monkey endured in the light of the disclosure the monkey was fed on boiled eggs, jam butties and dog food.

I would also ask him to restate his belief that the best interests of the monkey have not been considered and that he still thinks Mrs Stanton's cramped house is a suitable environment for a monkey in the prime of its life.

To me this whole regrettable episode could have been avoided if all people were prevented from keeping wild animals in ordinary houses. Quite simply, monkeys and other exotic species do not make good pets and by granting licences to keep such creatures, the authorities are encouraging people to behave irresponsibly and endanger public health.

DICK DAVIDSON, Alexandra Road, Blackburn.