Is it cruel to battery farm calves?

I WAS appalled to see the picture of calves trapped like battery hens (Mail). How cruel can we get? I’ve been a vegetarian for more than 40 years. I expect nothing will be done: we’re no better than the Chinese with caged dogs, ready to be eaten. I would write to the RSPCA, but what’s the point? We have battery hens in our area. The RSPCA gives them the all-clear. This is why more people take saved hens home. If the toddlers of farmers who cage animals were also caged, people would see the devastation it causes. MARION TURNER, address supplied. I’m PLeASeD the public has been made aware of the cruel practice of batteryfarmed calves (mail). People should also know that the cows are milked four times a day and never see a field. Greed is the name of the game in these huge dairy farms. I hope things will start to change, at least in Dorset.

S. HOWE, address supplied.

AS A long-standing customer, and having known how strict Marks & Spencer has been on quality audits from suppliers over the years, it’s sad to read about the battery-farmed calves with which it is being supplied. Questions must be asked of the Marks & Spencer board on this failing by its auditing committee.

JAMES MCKELVEY, Randalstown, Co. Antrim. HUTCHeS are seen by experts as one of the best systems for rearing calves. They comply with all the welfare demands. Done to a high standard, this offers the best start for young animals, as it provides a warm, safe environment. It’s crucial to stress that the scale of a farm operation isn’t the issue — it’s good management practice that is key. GWYN JONES, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Stoneleigh, Warks.