I FIRMLY reject the pitiful excuses given by Barbara Davies, of the Research Defence Society, for using animals in medical research (Letters, May 4).

Out of all the millions of experiments performed on animals, some useful knowledge has been gained, but this could often have been acquired by other means.

Many of the greatest discoveries owe nothing to the use of laboratory animals.

What an arrogant, cowardly species the human race is! So full of its own importance, it will tolerate any amount of suffering of other animals just in case it might be beneficial to its 'own kind.'

The tragedy and extent of animal experiments is compounded by a massive lack of accountability and a blanket of secrecy.

Those who believe that such use of other beings is justifiable because they are 'superior' can only hope and pray that our planet is never visited by 'superior' beings with similar morals.

IRENE FOGARTY (Mrs), The Crescent, Cherry Tree, Blackburn.

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