Mrs Taylor's comparison between rabbits, slugs, snails and microscopic creatures unwittingly roaming on to farmers' fields to eat and factory-farmed animals is very strange (Letters, April 4).

People should realise many "animal rights" campaigners are caring, thoughtful individuals who fight every day for the rights of non-speaking animals not to be farmed, caged, experimented on, hunted, abused, tortured and disrespected.

Most of them eat organic food wherever possible because they are aware of the effects of pesticides on insects and birds.

Animal rights and human rights go hand in hand and campaigning against the use of pesticides, snares and traps in food production is fundamental in the fight for a future generation of speaking and non-speaking animals.

In the constant, uphill battle for the welfare of animals including humans, I have come across two types of people: Those who sit at home writing misinformed, judgmental letters and those who get pro-active and question the action of businesses and individuals, which really are inflicting irreversible damage on the environment.

When will we learn to live in harmony with each other instead of finding conflict at every turn?

For those who would like to be more pro-active, there is a rally against factory farming at The Level in Brighton on Saturday.

-Karin Watts, 46 Norway Street, Portslade