angry about coverage of a cow donation to the Salvation Army.

Readers began ringing in early yesterday after they picked up the paper which carried a front-page photograph of the donation.

"A pair of cattle named Milli and Vanilli will be going their separate ways today -- with one member destined for the dinner table,'' the caption under the photograph stated.

Vanilli's owners, Mrs. Eunice Talbot and her husband Henry Talbot Jr., donated the cow to the local Salvation Army's emergency shelter and feeding programme.

And head of the Army's Harbour Light facility, Capt. Max Barrett, said he appreciated receiving a gift that would help the Island's homeless and street people long after Christmas is over.

But one reader called coverage of the donation "distressing and in bad taste''.

The reader was one of several who called to express their displeasure with The Royal Gazette .

Others faxed letters of their sentiments to the editor.

One, who signed the letter "Disgusted'', wrote: "Your front page article and picture is really sick! "You really do not take time out to think, especially at this time of the year.

"To present a picture as you have and then go on to say this cow is basically going to be `slaughtered and eaten by the homeless' is sad and distasteful.

"The picture at hand appeared to be of a friendly nature! "Very sick indeed. I am sure many children will be sickened by the article.'' Another wrote: "I read with horror your article and picture of a cow named Vanilli that is going to be slaughtered.

"I wish to object to this gross lack of judgement at this festive time.

"We don't object to the charity of this couple, but think a picture of a doomed animal is inappropriate.'' The writer ended his letter: "you have ruined our day''.