I write again to alert readers to the wonderful achievements of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and to ask readers to support this organisation's efforts towards raising the status of animals.

Through a protracted campaign highlighting the brutal treatment of ducks and geese in the production of foie gras, PETA has succeeded in restricting the sale of this delicacy in many notorious establishments globally (including Harrods) and having it removed from the menus of grand functions (including Prince Charles'). To become informed of the brutality involved in foie gras production, view the undercover footage narrated by Kate Winslet at PETA.org.uk, where details are also provided for lobbying European authorities for a clean up in Europe.

PETA provides cruelty-free shopping details and smashing vegetarian recipes. Consumers do not have to be implicit in the kind of cruelty where a cow with a broken pelvis, back legs splayed out, was kicked in the face and ribs and goaded with electric prods to get her off the slaughter truck. Unable to move, a rope was tied round her neck, and the other end to a post – the truck was driven away and the pitiful creature smashed to the ground on her belly. Crying out, in searing heat, without water she tried to drag herself into shade. Late in the day, three dogs attacked the cow. The two vets would not destroy the creature as her meat would have been rendered worthless. She was shot at 7.30pm.

Inhumane treatments of meat animals are legion, from the moment of birth, and the environmental degradation in meat production is costing the earth.

Be proud to be part of the groundswell of people seeking an ethical lifestyle, and who are becoming a voice for the voiceless – take pride in your kinship with animals.

Gail Woolfenden The Animal Information Bureau Highcroft Woolavington