IWOULD agree wholeheartedly with S Smith, (Letters, May 15), that anything ever written can be interpreted in many different ways.

He will understand, therefore, that I found his interpretation of Mr M A Khan's remarks (Letters, May 12), accusing him of trying to justify the slaughter of animals, to be both biased and patronising.

I saw it as an explanation: a genuine reaching out, if you like, rather than a justification. At least the animals die - which is the point of a sacrifice.

If Mr Smith watched 'Pet Rescue' on Channel 4, he would quickly disabuse himself of the fantasy that we are a nation of animal lovers.

Sanctuaries all around the country are bursting at the seams with the results of sadistic owners' handiworks.

The animals' suffering is protracted and deliberate. So much for the misguided notion that we are fit 'custodians and caretakers' of the animal kingdom!

If we are ever to reach an understanding of other peoples and their cultures, perhaps we should listen occasionally rather than perpetuating romantic myths which have no basis in fact.

J CROWTHER, Carlinghurst Road, Blackburn.

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