SIR - With regard to the front page story about the cat ban on estates (T&A, May 21), I have kept cats for more than 20 years.

Many were strays that I have given a good home to.

How disgusting that this kind man was refused a cat on the basis of where he lived. Unfortunately we can't all live in rural country areas! What's wrong with living in old back-to-back houses, on terraced streets, and on estates and owning cats?

Generations have done it for years. If you can offer an animal food, warmth, love and lots of affection, that's all that matters.

Sadly cruelty to animals does exist and I fully support animal charities like the RSPCA, etc, they do a wonderful job in bringing to justice people that do abuse animals.

I do hope Miss Sampson will focus more on the individual person knocking on her door and not their postcode.

I wish Peter Shaw good luck in his search for his new feline friend. I find it very sad that people in society are discriminated against, for whatever reason!

Miss Patricia Deeks, Edderthorpe Street, Bradford

Over the top

SIR - How can the T&A possibly justify its over the top' headline (May 21) "Outrage at cat ban on estates"?

Arrange this sentence as you see appropriate - hill, mountain, mole, out of! Surely you should concentrate on more serious issues?

I think you have blown the story out of all proportion. Jenny Sampson works hard and does a thankless job, she can well do without over-hyped headlines. The real reason, I suspect, is her BNP connections!

I have a friend who lives in Ravenscliffe. She had two cats, both died horribly, the first poisoned, the other shot by children with an air rifle. She has vowed never to keep pets again because she feels it is not fair and too unsafe.

Paula Andrew, Ilkley Road, Riddlesden