October 4 is World Animal Day - surely a fitting time to reflect on the tragic plight of so many of our fellow creatures.
Each year, 65 billion peaceful and gentle animals are violently slaughtered for nothing but the taste of their flesh, milk and eggs.
The majority are reared in severe confinement in grim factory farms where they endure lives of unimaginable suffering.
None of this cruelty is justifiable.
JENNY MOXHAM
Monbulk