Why condemn mink for overeating and stockpiling food? Humans do it all the time

IN his diatribe against what he terms “vicious mink”, Cllr Michael Gleeson calls for an urgent elimination of this “most unwelcome” species (Letters, September 27).

Cllr Gleeson seems to have a problem with mink because they are predators which are compelled to eat to survive. He particularly criticises them for killing more than they need “in a wholly wanton manner”.

This anthropomorphic view is unfair to a creature acting purely on instinct and not out of some perceived form of malice. Many species, including humans, are guilty of overeating and stockpiling food for future use. This doesn’t deem them deserving of a death sentence.