"Phoenix the calf is spared after a national outcry' (The Independent, April 26).

What a pity there is not a national outcry about animal suffering every day.

Lorries are crammed full with living, breathing creatures bound for the slaughterhouses across the Continent, the Middle East and even further, often without food or water for up to 30 hours.

These poor animals suffer in silence as the relentless trade continues.

What pity is meted out to these animals? Is the plight of these animals covered by the media, saying it is cruel?

Let us not get too sentimental over Phoenix. Just remember, when you next tuck into a juicy steak, lamb chop or bacon sandwich, what suffering was endured before it ended up nicely wrapped on the supermarket shelf.

-Judy Way, Overhill, Southwick