YOU regularly publish letters from people who have the answer to the huge animal welfare problems facing the UK.

They say don't eat meat. Fine! That answer may allow the "caring vegetarian" to sleep at nights but it does absolutely nothing to help the millions of animals reared to fill the plates of the huge majority of meat eaters in this country.

There will never be a better time to campaign for a welfare-based livestock system in this country with greatly-reduced journey times and distances.

The key to this is the re-opening of local slaughterhouses or the introduction of a fleet of mobile abattoirs. Managed properly, slaughter need not be inhumane.

The RSPCA, the Humane Slaughter Association and Compassion in World Farming are just a few of the groups who do care about animal welfare. Support them in their campaigns for better conditions for our animals.

Do not waste a golden opportunity by just burying your head in the sand and becoming vegetarian.

PETER TELFER, Worcester.