Live animal export

Sir, – Richard Allen (Letters, November 24th) writes that “There is clear transparency concerning the conditions in which food animals are bred, reared, transported and slaughtered”. I presume he is referring to conditions in Ireland.

The point is what happens to unfortunate animals who leave our shores, on long journeys, in cramped and often inhumane conditions, to arrive in countries where there is neither “clear transparency” nor proper regulation concerning the conditions in which they are treated, transported and slaughtered. This is the problem. His proposed solution, “to go to the purchasing country and persuade the traders not to purchase Irish animals” is not practicable. The solution is obvious: ban live animal exports from Ireland. – Yours, etc,

ROB SADLIER,

Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.