Sir, - Contrary to the letter from Mr John Hourigan (September 2nd), the ISPCA has not been "infiltrated" by any body, extreme or otherwise. It is an organisation which exists to defend all animals against cruel treatment. As regards the culling of foxes, or of any animal which is deemed to be a threat to man's activities, the ISCPA's position is that this should be done only when there is incontrovertible scientific evidence proving that a substantial threat exists; and that the cull should be carried out in the most humane manner possible.
Mr Hourigan's statement that 55,000 foxes were killed in Ireland last year is one which should cause concern even among those who are neutral on the hunting issue. Such mass slaughter of our native wildlife is no cause for congratulation, especially in the light of the now largely discredited evidence concerning damage caused by foxes. - Yours, etc.,
Chief Executive, ISPCA, Dublin 6.