IN his letter (August 4) headlined "Fantasy World of Animal Saviours", Mr A. J. H. Pilkington, Lancashire County chairman of the Countryside Alliance, writes: "Towards those animals that compete with us we should show respect and make sure they die with dignity . . . "

Does he mean foxes torn to shreds by hounds or the stag brought to its knees in deathly exhaustion? How noble of the Countryside Alliance to offer them such a death! The animals certainly keep their dignity right to the end.

Such letters remind me of a recent Radio 4 report from Bali, Indonesia, where primitive natives fiercely defend their favourite "sport" of cock fighting which is banned in most of the world.

MRS IRENA ZALASIEWICZ,

Hebburn Drive,

Bury.