Glorious beasts
From N. Davies Sir: I am impelled to challenge Matthew Parris’s views on the goat (Another voice, 22 January) and make my plea for this splendid animal, which is loyal, affectionate, useful and, as Matthew Parris had the grace to admit, intelligent.
Some years ago, I was living in Devon and bred goats, the handsome British Saanen and the noble Anglo-Nubian. They were a joy in every way, not least for their striking good looks. They were affectionate and loyal. When family tragedy struck, my greatest comfort was to go into the milking shed, light dimmed for evening milking, and bury my head in their flanks as they willingly gave me milk. I felt their empathy; they were trying to give me consolation and did so.
Never should these splendid animals be denigrated. Second only to dogs, they are man’s best friend.
N. Davies Hertford
From Ed Griffiths Sir: Out of your 29 January issue dropped a flyer for Christian Aid, seeking funds to provide goats for African villagers. In the light of Matthew Parris’s recent article and the letter (‘Pantophagous pest’) in that issue I found this a little ironic. Was this a joke at your expense or perhaps some apology for offence which the editor may feel has been caused to the ‘goat aid’ sector?
Ed Griffiths
Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire
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