SIR – British chicken farmers are claiming a boost in sales in the wake of the horse meat scandal. This consumer behaviour highlights the inconsistency of British sentimentality: love for some animals, indifference for others.

Why are chickens undeserving of compassion and concern? They feel pain and get frightened, and suffer horribly in factory farms and at the slaughterhouse.

If you are upset at the thought of eating one type of animal, please spare a thought for the others. A horse is a chicken is a pig is a fish. For a free guide to going meat-free, e-mail info@animalaid.org.uk or call (01732) 364546.

Claudia Tarry, campaigner, Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge TN9 1AW