Humanity in farming is great moral question

MD Edwards questions the accuracy of Nigel Owens’ opinion column in last Saturday’s Western Mail (WM letters, July 19). In turn, I question some of MD Edwards’ assertions.

For example, MD Edwards states that it is not enough to ensure that cattle are “cared for and watered”.

What more could any living being ask for? The level of care that one should take is a matter of opinion and some people will take exception to what is generally accepted as due care. That is their right.

The matter of humanity in farming and life in general will always be one of the great moral questions that farmers, vets and others will tussle with. My dog gets hit by a car and in some opinions is suffering, others think that the dog should be given a chance (almost certainly I would give it a chance). Who is right?

Finally, MD Edwards reminds us “that a moral judgement cannot be made unless the true facts are known”. I suppose I am being pedantic to suggest that a fact is not a fact unless it is true but, far more relevant, I would suggest that moral judgements are rarely made based on fact alone. They are more likely to be based on upbringing, religion, education, peer opinion, media hype, emotion and other sources.

Nigel Owens’ column is headed ‘Opinion.’ It should be taken as yet another source for us to help make a moral judgement.

In the meantime, I would urge Mr Owens to keep making his moral judgements both on and off the pitch. But be warned, Mr Owens, I don’t always agree with you! Tim Johns Castlemorris, Haverfordwest