AS THE main 'do-gooder neighbour' mentioned by John Blunt (LET, Aug 23) I suggest that he researches his subject thoroughly and ascertains the true facts as his account of Joe, the monkey and the Stanton family is 99 per cent fictional.

All us 'do gooders' are actually 'speaking up for the poor beast' by trying to do what is best for Joe. The Stantons are thinking about Joe's welfare and wellbeing, just as they have done for all the other monkeys and creatures that they have cared for and loved over the past 50 years.

Their last capuchin Sam, lived until he was 22, which with a normal life expectancy for these animals of 15 years, proves that they must have been doing something right.

Joe lives in a large terraced house not a 'tiny one,' he gets fresh air and plenty of exercise in his outdoor run on a daily basis should he wish it.

For 13 years he has enjoyed a well balanced diet and obtained specialist veterinary attention when required. He had never been imprisoned in his cage, until Blackburn with Darwen enforced it this year. Prior to this he had the full freedom of the home, and large backyard outside run to play in. I do agree with Blunt when he states that "Zoos are bad enough." They are, I have seen how many monkeys are frightened, battered and attacked by their own kind when they are placed in these zoos. I have seen one animal have its finger bitten by another monkey, and left hanging on by a threat while keepers watched.

For the past few years the Stantons have been granted a dangerous wild animal licence from the Council. Prior to that a licence was not necessary. This year the Council refused a licence to the Stantons until certain conditions regarding cages and doors were met.

Those conditions were quickly attended to therefore the licence should be granted forthwith.

Mrs Stanton does love Joe more than enough to let him go, if it really was in his best interests. But over the past 50 years she has learned that should Joe go to Monkey World or other such places, he would be in danger from his own kind, for he is thoroughly domesticated and of a placid and timid nature.

Would any pet lover willingly place their animal in danger in the latter years of its life, after it has been part of the family for over 13 years?

The truth is, monkeys should not live in houses or zoos, they should live free in their natural environment. However, 13 years down the line is not the time to make any changes. If the council do not wish people to house animals at home, they have to say so at the first opportunity, not many years down the road, when both owners and pets have become greatly attached to one another.

MRS MADELEINE FISH, Harrison Street, Blackburn.