Cruelty problem

The disturbing increase in cases of cruelty to animals (your report, 4 August) is cause for concern and indicates that not enough is being done to tackle this growing problem in our society.

Advocates for Animals believes the sentences given to those who commit crimes of cruelty to animals are too lenient. Why was an Aberdeen man who admitted strangling his dog to death only banned from keeping dogs for three years? Should he not have been banned for life? It is time for Scottish courts to treat crimes of cruelty to animals with the severity they deserve.

Worryingly, we are seeing the usual increase in cases of children abusing animals during the school holidays. Humane education of future generations must become a higher priority - at home and at school. People who care about and respect non-human animals are usually those that also show most compassion to other human beings.

Animals cannot speak for themselves - they are relying on us to speak out for them.

ROSS MINETT, Director, Advocates for Animals, Queensferry Street, Edinburgh