A Chara, - The case of Allen Carmichael, convicted of unlawfully and maliciously killing Salt, the donkey, by driving a metal bar through its skull, perplexes me. Countless cattle are slaughtered every day in Ireland, some by driving metal bolts through their heads, others by cruel, ritual killing processes that satisfy cultural dietary requirements. In our society - where the slaughter of many types of animals is normalized and socially accepted - it was indeed unfortunate for Allen Carmichael that he was unaware of the donkey's special protection which is not afforded to less fortunate animal species. - Is mise, Mike Rogers,
Christchurch, Dublin 8.