SINCE the 'Animal Welfare' minister Jim Paice took the reins at Defra a year ago, there has been a cascade of measures that have only weakened animal protection, with the latest – the decision not to ban wild animals in circuses – being based on suspect 'legal advice'.

In just 12 months, Jim Paice has also; overturned a ban on battery cages for 'game birds'; as hunting and shooting minister, committed to a repeal of the Hunting Act; routinely voiced his support for a badger cull while at the same time ending badger vaccination trials; dropped charges after slaughterhouse incidents; reduced the number of vets at markets; stated his intention to reduce on-farm inspections; declared his support for the offspring of cloned animals to be killed for their meat and milk; and backed the 'sustainable intensification' of the 'livestock' industry.

Animal Aid has branded Mr Paice 'the worst animal welfare minister in living memory' and I think it is now time for him to resign.

Kate Fowler, Animal Aid, Tonbridge, Kent.