David Hankey denies using the Bible to defend his stance on meat-eating, but referring to God and creation sounds very much like a biblical reference to me ("Meat-eating: it's our choice", Mailbox, April 20).

The investigation by Animal Aid into the treatment of animals in some abattoirs revealed appalling brutality and Mr Hankey agreed that those who mistreat farm animals "should be dealt with harshly".

However, two out of every three animals reared for food are factory farmed.

These animals suffer discomfort, pain, injury, disease, fear and distress. They are unable to express their normal behaviour and are routinely mutilated to prevent the consequences of aggressive behaviour which is the result of their frustration in crowded, barren, confined conditions. Such treatment of sentient creatures is cruel.

Laws exist which give minimal welfare protection but they are frequently disregarded and their enforcement is lax. The aim is to fatten the largest number of animals for slaughter in the shortest possible time for the least possible cost.

I disagree with Mr Hankey's comment, "it is not the fault of those who enjoy eating meat who cause ill-treatment of animals".

Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "You have just dined, and however scrupulously the slaughterhouse is concealed in the graceful distance of miles, there is complicity."

The only way to reduce animal suffering is to eat considerably less meat and be prepared to pay more for it. The only way to eliminate animal suffering is to stop eating meat.

Mrs Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone.