I am responding to your Vet's Diary of February 17, entitled "Microchip to identify your pet".

First, we don't "own" animals. If an animal chooses to live with us as companion we are blessed indeed. The next step for us is to learn respect. Animals have their own agenda, their own path through life on this planet.

Microchipping them is not only morally wrong but quite insane from a health point of view. Any electronic device, either near the body or worse, under the skin, of mammals (including humans) affects healthy functioning of their immune system and can contribute to cancer. It also affects instinct and other senses such as orientation.

Animals do not get "lost" – just as we do sometimes, they choose a new direction in life. We as humans have to learn to see the bigger picture instead of rushing into paranoia and control.

I urge anyone who considers microchipping to think again. Most vets won't like me to say this but the truth is that in our crazy world today it's all about making money, not about animal welfare.

M Lavaulx Ridgeway Gardens Glastonbury