WE are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers, yet dogs that have risked their lives to sniff out explosives for the Army are put down at end of an operational tour.

Surely these dogs could be passed to the police or private security companies.

To save money why not put down handlers as well, no pension or gratuity to pay, or let the handlers keep them for pets.

Better still, put down some MPs, that would save a lot of money.

RW Tucker, Kingsway Drive, Kidlington