As convenor of the Hertsmere Forum of Faiths, may I use your column to express my sympathy and support for the Hindu community at the Bhaktivedenta Manor, Letchmore Heath, on the death of Gangotri, a cow in their small herd.I believe that the chain of events raises serious issues.

I question whether the RSPCA should continue to be allowed legal powers to enter premises and order the killing of animals deemed to be suffering.

I question whether considerations of suffering, difficult to assess by any objective measure, can provide the sole grounds for ending an animal's life. The accusation that this killing was ordered without proper consultation with the owners adds another worrying dimension.

Having myself recently seen Gangotri and been aware of the love and reverence with which all the animals in the community's care are treated, there can surely be no question of ill-treatment.

The central issue is whether an animal held in such veneration should be allowed to live out its natural life, in the same way as human beings.

What palliative care was offered? Is it not the case that terminally unhealthy or injured animals tend to give up on life quite quickly?

No one should be comfortable that any organisation can claim the right to enter our homes and indiscriminately order the killing of a much-loved pet against our wishes.

Those who ordered and carried out the killing of Gangotri must reflect on the outrage they have caused.

A number of exceptions are made to our laws to accommodate religious sensitivities. Here surely is another case in point.

Rev Richard Leslie

St Michael's Vicarage, Brook Road, Borehamwood