A COUPLE of months ago I was walking in St Helen's Square on a warm sunny day, happily feeding the pigeons, who ate every crumb (so no litter there, then).

Suddenly I heard a voice say, "don't feed those birds, they are vermin."

I turned around and saw what appeared to be a well-dressed businessman, lounging against a shop window stuffing his face with what appeared to be a large meat pie.

When he repeated his request I replied, "to me they are not vermin and every creature has a right to live."

Did I perhaps come up against Jason Raynor (letters, June 18) or DM Richardson (June 24) that day?

If so you spoilt what was a beautiful summer day with your intolerance.

Why such people cannot bear to share their world with fellow creatures is beyond my comprehension.

Does the world not hold enough horror and killing for them, without advocating more? I shall continue to feed any creature in need.

Mrs W P Carter,

Marston Crescent,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:04 Tuesday, June 29, 2004