WHILE shopping on Bolton Open Market on Thursday, November 21, I was shocked and disgusted to see that one of the stalls was selling fur hats.

I touched one to check if it was real and commented to my mother that it was. The stallholder then said: "Why do people touch the hats and then snarl?" We replied that we touch them to see if they are real and snarl because it is disgusting that they are.

She informed us that they are made from specially-farmed rabbit fur -- as if that makes it OK! And she didn't care why we were so unhappy. But what else can she expect when many of us have rabbits as pets?

All fur comes from farms, be it rabbit, fox or mink. They are crammed into small wire caging with no bedding and can develop foot deformities. The killing varies from neck dislocation to electrocution -- not very pleasant any way!

All this so people can be fashionable! It might have been acceptable in the 1940s and '50s to drape a dead animal around your neck, but times have changed and such barbarity in the name of fashion is unacceptable.

So if any genuine animal lovers are reading, please boycott any shop or stall selling real fur. And let them know why you are doing so. And, as for the "lady" on the stall. At £25 a go, I doubt you'll sell many "Russian" hats. I'd stick to the thermal knickers if I were you.

N Powell

Lever Edge Lane

Bolton