Why we should care about animals

I fully endorse the sentiments expressed by John Tierney (Letters, Jul 14) when he rightly criticised our appalling record in caring for our animals.

The thousands of abandoned and starving horses around the country recently got press coverage in the New York Times which did little to enhance our already shameful reputation in animal welfare.

Decades of indifference from our politicians who appear to show little or no interest, compounded by ineffective and useless legislation continue to ensure the plight of Irish animals is ignored and, even worse, tolerated and accepted.