I was very pleased to read that police have set up an operation to target “illegal fishing gangs and unlicensed anglers” (“Police to blitz illegal fishing, Shuttle, June 11).

However, it is fishing as a whole, not just the illegal variety, that we should be concerned about.

Fish are sensitive, aware creatures who experience pain and there is nothing sporting about spearing living animals on a hook, dragging them out of the water and leaving them struggling for life as they suffocate.

Nor is there a need need for fish to be caught and killed for food, as we can all live healthily without consuming them or any other animals or animal products.

Thankfully, an increasing number of people are becoming vegan or vegetarian and many others are reducing their consumption of meat, fish, eggs and dairy out of concern for the animals, the environment or their own health.

Wyre Forest Vegans & Veggies exists to help people switch to a more humane diet and lifestyle and we can be contacted at wyreforestvegansandveggies@ gmail.com or on 01562 700043.

Ronald Lee Communications Officer Wyre Forest Vegans & Veggies Kidderminster