I was very disappointed to see a recent letter criticising dedicated Viva! supporter and local campaigner, Joyce Moss. I have worked with Joyce for a number of years now. She is a wonderful ambassador for promoting understanding of the Forest of Dean's wild boar population.

Viva! very much supports Joyce's views that the boar in the Forest should be cherished – and not persecuted. Why must everything start and end with a gunshot? If it is proven that population is a problem then we believe that non-lethal methods for control should be employed.

However, that time has not come as it is still a rare sight indeed to see boar in the Forest.  Despite concerted efforts to discredit the boar from some sectors, we believe that the majority of people within the Forest wish to live in harmony with them.

Viva! is a registered charity working peacefully and within the law to promote animal welfare and a more compassionate way of living. That is why we are supporting dedicated advocates such as Joyce campaigning to protect the Forest's rich wildlife heritage and are delighted to continue doing so.

– Justin Kerswell, Viva!, Bristol.