I am writing in response to the letter entitled "Instead of hunting, the young can drink more" (The Argus, February 28).

It omitted to mention the deliberate killing of a feeling creature which Ms Johnson's nieces would have had to witness. It is interesting how this small matter seems always to be left out of the hunters' equation.

All the choices Blair leaves Ms Johnson's nieces, now hunting has gone, are exactly that: Choices - which needn't involve deliberate cruelty towards another living thing.

The principle of non-malfeasance against animals in this way, now enshrined in law, is not only symbolic, it will make a substantial difference to the way humans conduct their lives, whether drinking alcohol for 24 hours or playing the casinos.

The issue is about cruelty, and, as Emmanuel Kant saw it: "He who is cruel to animals, becomes hard also in his dealings with men." So this law is, in effect, saving Ms Johnson and her nieces from themselves.

The real heroes of the day are those committed, brave individuals who, for the past 20 years or more, have never wavered in the face of adversity in saving animals from torment.

It is right that these people should be supported by the full force of the law, having striven to enact such legislation so tirelessly.

-David Hammond, Hassocks