John Wood's letter ("Meat eater's know exactly where their food comes from" (Mailbox, June 10) requires comment.

His unfocused philosophy towards meat origination is rather confusing. He puts across the perception that his witnessing animal slaughter at an early age was beneficial in that it clarified and crystallised reality in his young mind.

That today he "could not" witness animal slaughter requires explanation. Mr Wood loses more focus when he brings on board unrelated matters such as child labour exploitation (it's fair to say that worthless administrations and "governments" are the root cause).

I have no issue with eating animals; we have done so for millions of years. This is nature: cruel and brutal, but never guilty. I do however have issue with slaughter en masse. I appreciate that this cannot change and so choose to distance myself from it as much as possible.

In the context of opening up a more defined and appreciative view of reality, high street butchers play a valuable role. At least here one can witness whole carcasses in all their graphic glory.

To reinforce harsh reality – whether it alters one's philosophy or not I'm not concerned about – from an early age, within the education system, it would be a positive step to incorporate within the syllabus all aspects of animal farming (free range, factory and intensive); breeding and all methods of slaughter. I believe youngsters would benefit on many levels by a well thought out and expertly constructed in-depth look at all aspects of the meat production industry – not just a cursory examination – over a lengthy period.

Perhaps Mr Wood should discard those rose-tinted spectacles he wears by proxy on behalf of his grandchildren.

A P Smith, Asfordby.