IT'S about time farmers owned up to their own responsibility for the foot and mouth crisis.

They have blamed foreigners from "bogus asylum seekers" who supposedly smuggled in ham sandwiches, to meat imports from Third World countries. In their anti-foreigner tirades, our farmers fail to mention UK annual exports of 100,000 live pigs, many of which are used to breed animals whose flesh is then re-imported into Britain.

Farmers have also blamed ramblers for strolling "irresponsibly" about the countryside, and yet they kept livestock markets open for days after the crisis had started. They took animals on the roads to slaughterhouses while footpaths were, and remain, closed to the general public.

They have put the blame on wild species, from birds to wild boar. And animal rights "terrorists" are suggested even though farmers need no outsiders to sabotage their industry. They make a perfect job of it themselves.

When will farmers learn that everyone, themselves included, pays a price when animals are exploited? BSE and last year's swine fever outbreak should have been wake-up calls. But the industry continues rearing animals in squalid conditions, in which health problems are inevitable and will spread like wildfire.

Readers disheartened by the whole miserable foot and mouth saga should call Animal Aid's Veggie Month hotline (01732) 354032 and order a free recipe and information pack. And you can check out our website: www.animalaid.org.uk

Kay Holder Animal Aid Bradford Street, onbridge, Kent