There are many everyday examples of animals being treated as no more than commodities, as pointed out by Elizabeth Allison (Mailbox, March 11).

Farm animals are among the clearest examples, although respect certainly exists and increasingly free range eggs are bought rather than battery ones.

Dreadfully backward is the Government's resumption of live exports of sheep at Dover in December, from where in their European journeys thousands suffer overcrowding, rough handling and lack of food and water.

Compassion in World Farming for years have been trying to get an eight-hour journey limit.

The bond between mother and calf was most famously illustrated by the Devon heifer Blackie, when, after her calf was sold at market, left her farm at night and got through seven miles of unfamiliar country lanes to locate her calf.

At the Farm Animal Sanctuary, near Evesham, three sheep have learned to open any gate by sticking their tongues through the holes in the latch.

If the bolt is stiff one leans on the gate to ease the pressure and another slides the bolt with her mouth, while the third kicks it open. This matches the accounts many pet owners can give.

Should farm animals be treated in such a completely opposite way to pets, for the final purpose of being eaten?

C Seal, Leicester.