CHRISTIAN Aid, Oxfam and other aid agencies are once again tapping into public disquiet over the existence of plenty in the midst of hunger and asking you to make a Christmas gift of a farmed animal to an impoverished person in Africa or in another of the world’s poorest regions.

This is despite mounting evidence demonstrating that animal farming is environmentally destructive; an inefficient user of agricultural land, water and energy; and that it generates disproportionately high volumes of global warming gases.

Meat and milk can be afforded only by communities with surplus wealth.

The average British dairy farmer, for instance, receives a very generous £32,000 annual payment from the European taxpayer.

A “gift” of animals to destitute communities, where no such support is available, will simply impoverish them further.

It is far more rational to support such people in growing food that they can eat directly. There is also the very real issue of animal suffering.

Where poor people are unable to provide adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care, animals get sick and die wretched deaths. This is the case, currently, in the drought-ravaged regions of Kenya.

Please support agencies that help people, animals and the environment.

For details contact Animal Aid.

ANDREW TYLER, director, Animal Aid