SIR – A Freedom of Information Request has revealed that more than 7,000 wild animals were killed on the Windsor Estate during 2013.

The victims included 3,901 pigeons, 1,161 rabbits, 159 foxes, 56 roe deer, 28 hares and nine moles.

The huge numbers killed were mainly at the request of shoot operators, farmers and foresters, and Animal Aid believes that this culture of killing on Britain’s wealthiest estates must be curbed.

It seems that wild animals are put to death for daring to feed themselves, thereby putting a minor dent in the Crown Estate’s £252.6 million profits.

Animal Aid believes that killing foxes in order to ‘protect’ farmed pheasants – who are reared only to be shot for ‘sport’ – is morally repugnant.

Perhaps it is not surprising that the Ranger of Windsor Great Park is the Duke of Edinburgh – a man whose well-known passion for shooting includes a tiger and a crocodile in India and tens of thousands of other animals in his lifetime.

Sadly, that passion for killing continues with the younger royals who hunt and shoot wildlife, too.

Kate Fowler, head of campaigns, Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge