SIR – Contrary to J L Reynold’s insinuation (Letters, June 19), I care how the meat on my plate is produced.

Quality livestock, naturally fed, reared in healthy conditions, followed by a slaughtering process that pays full attention to sound animal welfare is the minimum acceptable standard. The denouncement of the RSPCA by J L Reynolds seems strange as this organisation encourages the highest standards of livestock rearing, transport and slaughter through it’s Freedom Food programme. But as a vegan, accepting the RSPCA encourages meat eating must be very difficult to swallow.

J L Reynolds questions why we don’t eat cat, dog or horse in this country but do consume beef-pork and lamb. The simply answer is culture and belief. Hindus regard cows as sacred and never eat them. We, on the other hand, hold the horse in high regard so it doesn’t appear on our tables, unlike in Europe. The Jewish and Islamic religions forbid eating pork. However, in Britain the bacon sandwich is virtually a religion.

What we eat should be of our own choice. If you want to live on nut roast and boiled lettuce carry on, but don’t ram it down my throat, it could spoil a good bacon butty.

Jon Burgess
Malvern