The amusing accounts of life portrayed by Jacqui Bealing in her Home Truths column are always a joy to read.

However, I was saddened by her story of the 32lb turkey which proved to be too much even for her family of six to eat and was eventually abandoned and dumped in the bin (The Argus, December 29).

Jacqui's experience was undoubtedly echoed in thousands of homes and is a sorry indictment of our selfish over-indulgence. Spare a thought for the poor turkey, most probably raised in quite unnatural conditions and forced to achieve its gross weight in as short a time as possible, denied even the dignity of providing an appreciated, let alone essential, part of the seasonal festivities.

Next year, Jacqui, if you really must place a dead animal on your Christmas table, make it as small a bird or joint as possible. I am sure you will find it all the more enjoyable.

-Peter Allen, Chute Avenue, High Salvington, Worthing