Many people share their homes with dogs, the animals becoming cherished family members that are loved, cared for and protected. Sadly many others are not so lucky.

Every year the government condemns thousands of dogs to die in unnecessary and painful experiments. They are surgically mutilated, infected with dangerous viruses and made to endure convulsions, vomiting and other symptoms.

There is much evidence demonstrating that dogs, and all animals are hopelessly unreliable, 'models' of people.

n Aspirin causes birth defects in dogs, rats, mice and guinea pigs, but not in humans.

n Chloroform is used as an anaesthetic for people but is poisonous to dogs.

The reason animals are used has more to do with tradition and convenience than science. Beagles are favoured because they are docile. Greyhounds and mongrels are also used.

If you would like to see an end to the use of dogs in research, Swindon Animal Concern are having a stall outside British Home Stores on Saturday, November 4, 10am to 4pm.

M HARRISON

Beaulieu Close

Toothill

Swindon