13 MARCH 2004, Page 30

From Geoff Clifford Sir: Although I have no time for

the 'animal rights' brigade, I found Rod Liddle's article particularly loathsome. His new neighbours might just find this an interesting welcome for this Liddle creature who is about to join their community: you dig a deep hole where the Liddle creature is prone to walk, cover it with thin branches and earth. Then in no time at all the Liddle creature will fall in, 'at which point you simply cover it'. No, Mr Liddle, it's not a pleasant business.

Geoff Clifford

Charlbury, Oxfordshire