I READ with utter amazement in the Evening Advertiser, July 1, that pets are now banned from many schools because of the fear of various ailments.

I really think we are getting paranoid in this country. I taught for many years and had various pets in class and out.

I have brought my children up with several pets, their friends also visited frequently and as far as I can remember have never ever encountered a child who was affected in any way with their health.

The value of pets in the classroom and in the home is tremendous. They teach children so much about caring and sharing and handling creatures who are very vulnerable.

The more we protect children from such risks the more susceptible they will become.

Are we going to end up shutting them away? If animals are cared for properly they bring nothing but joy and teach children a great lesson about life.

For goodness sake let's stop imagining all the problems and have a bit of positive thinking.

ANN M MOSS

Priors Hill,

Wroughton