IN response to Wendy Higgins of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection "Remember lab animals at pet week" (Bolton Evening News, April 30) in which she tries to link National Pet Week with emotional propaganda of anti-vivisection groups, where does she think most veterinary medicines come from?

The answer is that most veterinary medicines were developed through animal research, the very research her organisation so vehemently opposes.

So every time anyone reading this letter takes their pet to the local vet, they should think a little bit clearer than the BUAV wants them to.

If the BUAV was really concerned about the plight of animals and their welfare, then they would support the use of animals in veterinary research.

Having lost a partner to a rare genetic disorder, which confined her to a wheelchair for much of her short life, I also recognise the enormous hope generated to seriously-ill patients by medical research for people with similar neurological conditions.

The misguided campaigns against medical research, some of which involves the unavoidable use of animals, puts human lives at risk.

On a more positive note, my mother owes her life to the dedicated work of the medical research community and the use of animals which helped them develop her treatment.

I cannot thank them enough. Some of us appreciate their valuable work.

Seriously Ill for Medical Research (SIMR) is a patients' group which provides a more balanced voice on animal research.

We support the humane use of animals and genetic technology where necessary in medical research.

To help us safeguard future medical progress, please write to SIMR, Po Box 504, Dunstable, Beds, LU6 2LU. www.simr.org.uk

Thomas Bromley

SIMR Executive Secretary