DURING the last few weeks of this sunniest of springs, I have had the privilege of being serenaded by the glorious voice of a song thrush in my garden.

It was a most beautiful melodic song that rang out, with many whistles and flute-like notes.

Then last Tuesday, to my horror, all came to a violent sad end as I watched my neighbour's cat appear out from nowhere and grab the thrush. I was shaken with anger to be robbed of my lovely songbird. I realise cats are predatory, but wondered why do we have so many? The balance of nature is being changed because of the huge cat population.

Birds can only sustain healthy numbers if we help to slow down the birth rate of domestic cats, more need to be neutered to reduce the carnage of our garden songbirds that bring happiness and pleasure to so many people.

D James,

Huntington Road,

York.

Updated: 10:22 Wednesday, May 01, 2002