IT was disturbing to read Event hooks youngsters on fishing, Gazette, August 3. Work carried out in 2009 at the University of Purdue led researchers to believe that "fish do feel pain when hooks are pulled from their mouths even though they do not make noises or contort their face to show that it hurts".

For "fish", substitute cat, rabbit or dog and the full horror of angling becomes apparent.

Why anyone would want to take part in this activity, let alone introduce children to it, is a cause for concern.

Name and address withheld on request