I WAS disappointed to see that goldfish were once again being offered as prizes at one of the fairground stalls during Goose Fair week. I find the offering of live animals as 'prizes' quite distasteful. They certainly wouldn't be allowed to offer cats, dogs or gerbils as prizes and I fail to see that there is any difference between these pets and goldfish as pets.

Now whilst I am sure that some of these goldfish found good and caring homes, I was horrified to spot several groups of teenage boys releasing their recently won prizes into the Tavistock Canal. I have no idea whether they thought they were doing these fish a favour by releasing them 'into the wild' but their actions were totally irresponsible and very cruel.

Stephen Fryer

Modyford Walk

Buckland Monachorum

ANOTHER Goose Fair has come and gone, but what have we learnt? 'Do Geese see God?' is an interesting question (and a palindrome) but of more importance is whether we see geese as God's creation deserving our respect and rights to live out their lives without being killed for food (or feather down).

Also, I was surprised to see two goldfish being carried home in a transparent bag full of water. As an animal, fowl and fish lover, I would like to suggest to the Tavistock Town Council that they stipulate to Goose Fair stallholders that there should be no 'live' prizes offered to lucky members of the public.

With the approach of Christmas, it is time for all of us to break out of 'the goldfish bowl' of cruelty to animals, fish and fowl. Maybe our God will see both geese and us humans as sentient beings and help us live in true harmony and lasting peace.

F Howard

The Sanctuary

Lydford