COUN Paul Blanchard and City of York Council should be congratulated for contemplating a ban on foie gras in York restaurants, even though it is not legally possible to impose a ban (Let's outlaw cruel trade, January 23).

At the very least, it has brought the cruelty which goes into producing foie gras to the public attention. Yes, there are other things going on in the world, but our fellow creatures do need spokesmen such as Coun Blanchard.

It is sad that not all of us are animal lovers. Hence, we have people who will wear fur coats and eat foie gras without a thought to the ethics of how these things are produced. There is so much more choice now that we do not need to eat things or wear things which cause such suffering, but sadly while there are profits to be made it is hard to rid the world of cruelty.

Restaurant owners and the public should look at their consciences when eating or serving up dishes which involve cruel practices. With no demand, there can be no supply.

Mrs W P Carter, Marston Crescent, Acomb, York.