I WRITE in answer to David Handley's letter, “Why we must control TB” (Your Say, July 18). A typical farmer, he is incensed by people who do not agree with him regarding killing badgers.

I must tell him that I don't agree with him and, no, Mr Handley, I am not an animal lover, but I do respect all animals and their right to live their lives naturally without being killed for profit or pleasure by arrogant humans, be they livestock farmers or blood-sport fanatics.

As I said, I respect all animals, some I don't like, but still wouldn't dream of killing or hunting them.

For instance, I don't like livestock farmers, hunters, shooters and anglers, but I certainly wouldn't kill them because I respect their right to life, but I do not respect the way they live. Please don't try to fool us about concern for the badgers' welfare, when we know that farmers are concerned only about profit from the animals which are condemned to a horrible death in a slaughterhouse.

If they want to kill only infected badgers, how will they find them? I have done wildlife rescue for more than 20 years in four counties, including many badgers, but only ever had four with TB.

I think what farmers want is to kill all badgers as a precaution against loss of profit.

P Richardson South Cerney