IN reply to Mr M A Khan (Letters, May 12) seeking to justify the bleeding to death of animals on the basis of religion, he would do well to consider that, as with any religious text, much of what it contains is subject to interpretation.

God placed all creation on this earth for our needs. We are custodians and caretakers of this rich bounty, which should be treated with respect and dignity. The British people are, and have been for many centuries, a nation of animal lovers and that is why the vast majority of people in this land find the ritual slaughter of animals unacceptable.

It is out of place in what is supposed to be a civilised society.

S SMITH, Burnley Heritage Centre, St James Street, Burnley.

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