Animals in peril overseas Balance call

Britain is renowned as a nation of animal lovers – and many people would go to any length to ensure their precious pets are healthy and happy. Thankfully, access to veterinary care when our companions are sick or injured is usually quick and easy – and there are more than 25,000 vets working up and down the country.

Sadly, it’s a very different story for animals in developing countries, including working animals. A severe shortage of vet services means too many animals must endure pain and suffering without the vital care they need. In Zimbabwe, for instance, there are only around 340 vets serving the entire country.

SPANA believes that all animals deserve the right to high quality veterinary care, including working horses, donkeys, elephants and camels, which transport goods, people and water in the world’s poorest communities. Our vets are often their only hope, providing free treatment that simply wouldn’t be available otherwise.

This World Animal Day (4 October), we’re asking for your support to ensure that no animal has to suffer in silence. Please visit www.spana.org/ worldanimalday and help us provide working animals overseas with the same care and compassion as our own much-loved pets here in Britain. Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive, SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)

Shouldn't the world be balanced? Shouldn't the legal system be balanced? Five to four was reasonably balanced but six to three is not balanced, fair, reasonable or necessary. There are too many legal decisions to be made to make this nomination too quickly. Wait till the election has finished and then start a gradual review of candidates and find the best candidate.

The decision could change the nature of the legal system and the country for up to thirty years, so it doesn't have to be done today.

Dennis Fitzgerald via email