WITH reference to a recent letter, I agree that no animal should be allowed to suffer, therefore shall never understand how something so horrific as factory farming is allowed to take place.

Although affordable food is necessary, a massive amount is thrown away, numerous people are on permanent diets and obesity on the rise. How much thought is given to the creatures who exist in appalling conditions?

The fox shows no mercy when it comes across birds in a deserted farmyard.

Once a common sight, I grew up on a farm and cannot recall foxes being a problem, probably because plenty of rabbits were available before the deadly myxomatosis almost wiped them out. Worst of all is when a fox can find its way into a chicken house. The result is pandemonium, with most of the petrified birds bleeding to death. Nature can be cruel but factory farming beggars belief.

MRS J. CALVERT, Southampton.