SIR: After the recent BSE scare, more exotic meats have started to become popular in Britain eg Kangaroo and Alligator.

The latest victims are Ostriches. Ostriches are wild birds, which come from the sun-drenched plains of Africa, and live well into their 70s. However, in Britain they are penned, their eggs taken away from them and the chicks killed at 12-14 months old. Unable to shed rain from their feathers, they often catch pneumonia.

As a local member of VIVA! (Vegetarians International Voice for Animals) I would like to ask the public to help stop this evil trade, by not buying any exotic meats and by boycotting shops, restaurants etc which sell it.

If you would like more information please send for a free pack to VIVA! P O Box 212, Crewe, CW1 4SD or call on 01270 522500.

Nicola Powell, Bolton

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.