There has recently been an escalation of cruelty to animals.

In particular, a number of cats have been shot and there is a worrying trend of "status dogs", which are mistreated by the owners in order to make them vicious.

Last week (Mercury, October 13) I read: "Pet dog shot dead in air gun attack." In the same newspaper I read: "Young hunters determined to help keep tradition alive", and that pro-hunters are hoping for the repeal of the hunting ban.

Last week in a national daily newspaper a letter was published from a farming couple in Cheshire. They said: "We country folk have enjoyed the peace and tranquility of rural living these past few years with no fear of the terror, destruction and death that uninvited and unwanted hunts bring with them when they invade the local community.

"You have to experience the terrifying event to fully appreciate how traumatic it is – your farm animals, horses, cats and dogs are all in danger of attack from hunting hounds."

What chance is there of encouraging young people to show care and compassion for animals when many of the elite in our country are promoting terror and cruelty towards them?

Elizabeth Allison, Leicester.