It is not just kids who are cruel to animals (What can we do to deter cruelty?, Soapbox, April 8).

Those aged under 12 years should be made to help at the RSPCA to clean out the kennels and all the other jobs that nobody likes to do. Those over 12 should be birched, and that should not just be for animals, it should be for any cruelty.

This country has no deterrent for any crime, prison is a holiday camp.

Kids have no respect for the law or anyone in authority.

People who inflict cruelty on animals then progress to the young, then progress to the old and infirm.

We would never even have thought of doing these types of things as we were brought up to respect people and other people’ s property.

Anyone who inflicts pain in any way should have the same done to them and see how they like it. I bet they wouldn’t do it again!

They should all be named and shamed.

D Fillingham, The Crossway, Muncaster, York.