The inadequate three-year ban imposed upon the owner and employee of a Burgess Hill reptile shop who were found guilty of cruelty to the animals in their care (The Argus, April 26) yet again indicates the lack of seriousness society places on the lives of animals.

Children from as young an age as possible should be taught by their parents and teachers to respect and value all forms of life. Statistical evidence strongly indicates a correlation between people convicted of murder and earlier lives in which they exhibited tendencies towards

premeditated animal cruelty.

It's about time the citizens of our so-called nation of animal lovers took animal cruelty seriously and reflected this seriousness by creating laws that allow judges and magistrates to mete out deterrent sentences against persons convicted of cruelty to animals. We can all start the process by writing to our respective MPs today to demand these changes.

-David Hammond, North Court, Hassocks