I have just watched footage of British slaughterhouses which was filmed secretly by campaigning group Animal Aid. It is the most shocking thing I have ever seen.

Terrified sheep and pigs ran crazily in circles, desperately looking for an escape.

Many animals were partially stunned and left writhing or convulsing on the floor, while the stun operator ignored their plight. I watched ewes being stunned while their young suckled them. The lambs – no bigger than cats – were then stunned, hoisted and had their throats cut. Animals were kicked, hit, goaded, sworn at and stood on.

Another film showed events at a supposedly 'high welfare' organic plant where animals were also kicked in the face, inadequately stunned and even had their heads cut off before they were dead.

This is a damning indictment of animal welfare in this country, and makes a mockery of the systems supposed to protect animals from the worst abuses.

I would urge others to watch the films, too, and see for themselves the suffering animals endure so people can eat meat.

I will demand action of Defra and will be taking personal responsibility too: I will no longer eat meat.

Mrs L Banwell, Wrington.