We must not lose sight of habitat loss issue

With reference to Stephen Rogers’s report headed “We must have respect for wild animals” (Irish Examiner, Apr) it seems almost trite to point out that habitat loss is the only concern we should have.

Concerns for circus animals is pure sentimentality that allows us to delude ourselves that we have true concerns. I would like also to point out that elephants have been domesticated for millennia.

In Western Europe we have no vast parks where wild animals can truly run free but feel free to criticise the African countries. In Ireland the closest we get to wild animals are foxes and badgers, which are hunted and eagles reintroduced in Kerry were poisoned. For councils to pretend they are concerned is mere opportunism.

My concerns are that while concentrating upon such issues as animal cruelty we miss the main concern of habitat loss. This we do at our peril. The focus of many protest groups should be reconsidered. This would mean treading on the toes of vested interests.

In the meantime we will continue to read misdirected stories about circus animals, hare coursing and zoos.

Keith Hamilton

Clonmel

Co Tipperary