AROUND 87,000 horses a year are sent by road from Poland to Italy where they are slaughtered for human consumption.

Farm horses, ponies and even foals are bought in Polish markets and crowded into lorries, many of which are old and unfit even for local journeys. It is the start of a horrendous journey that can last five days, cover over 2,000 kilometres and cross six countries.

During this ordeal, many of the horses have no rest, water or food and are driven directly to the slaughterhouses. How can you help? Most Polish people love horses and don't eat horse meat. They are as outraged as me about this abuse. But Poland is not a wealthy country and people do not have the resources necessary to organise opposition to it.

Animal group Viva! has opened an office in Warsaw and is co-ordinating a national campaign demanding an end to horse exports for meat. By offering your support, I believe we can win this battle for the horses. To find out more, please contact Viva! at 12 Queen Square, Brighton BN1 3FD, tel: 01273 777688, website: www.viva.org.uk

A BURGE

Burns Way

Upper Stratton

Swindon