The terrible incident on the A46 last Tuesday afternoon (November 24) when a container containing 100 pigs overturned will maybe make some people think about the horrendous way in which we treat "non-human animals".

These intelligent, sociable creatures not only faced the terrifying ordeal of transportation but were then slammed into the road – many facing injury or death.

One can only imagine the sheer terror that these creatures experienced in this horrific crash.

And all this horror because some people want to gorge on the flesh of other sentient beings.

When will human beings stop treating animals as commodities and instead allow them to live out their lives with dignity and respect?

Our treatment of the creatures with which we share our world is nothing short of despicable and shows how despite millions of years of evolution we still have a long way to go.

As Pythagoras said: "For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other."

CHRIS GALE Dover Street Chippenham, Wiltshire

I write regarding the November 26 Chronicle article about the drama surrounding the crash of the container of 100 pigs.

I would like to thank you for covering this story and for bringing this important issue to your readers.

When Great Western Ambulance Service paramedic Phil Goodway said: "There were obviously animals in distress. The noise coming from inside the trailer was absolutely horrific", he highlighted the horrors of this cruel practice.

Animals bound for slaughter, trade or sale are often so heavily crammed into these truck containers, that having even an inch of space to themselves is often unattainable.

We cannot turn a blind eye when we see animals in such blatant distress.

The noise startles the animals during their transport.

However, adding that along with their keen sense of impending doom, and you have a most heinous combination.

ANAI RHOADS Friends of Animals Details supplied