Sir, – My owner has drawn my attention to a piece by Ella McSweeney in Saturday’s paper (“This animal kills billions of birds”, June 6th). I am dismayed that this appears to be about me and my relations. I regret that this could infringe on important liberties, especially my freedom of movement and provision of services.
I admit being partial to the odd mouse. However, I am much less a birds man (too many feathers; too much flapping). As for endangered species, I definitely plead not guilty, perhaps because they’re endangered (and therefore I haven’t seen any).
I would point out to Ms McSweeney that humans do much damage to hedgehogs (object of concern elsewhere in the same supplement), badgers and much else. Around here pheasants die in multiples on the roads; other birds don’t always do better.
Imagine my further surprise when I learned that deer are to be culled, and foxes shot, to protect trees and other wildlife. I have therefore decided to cull mice, rather than kill them. I understand that this would make it okay.
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I asked my owner (for want of a better word) to write to you on this serious matter. Thank you for your attention – Yours, etc,
COLIN WOLFE,
(Signed on behalf of Guinness the cat),
Avoca,
Co Wicklow
