Re: Today is the day.
This was in yesterdays paper:
50 million game birds raised in the UK
20-30 million Pheasants.
3 - 6 m. Red Necked Partridges.
All for shooting.
August the mass slaughter of Grouse started, 1st October they start on the Pheasants.
40% of birds are claimed to be wounded, rather than killed outright.
600,000 people enjoy shooting every year, whether it be live birds or clays.
Helpless game birds are reared in "abominable battery style cages " in preparation for the annual shooting season.
They are imprisoned for months on end to lay eggs, which will hatch into the next generation destined to be shot in September.
Heart of England Farms is one of the major suppliers of eggs and chicks to the UK big shooting estates.
Prices start at 47p per chick, but discounts are available for orders over
10,000!
DEFRA's code says "they must be provided with appropriate space and facilities to ensure the avoidance of stress and to allow the exhibition of normal behaviour patterns."
HUH! How can spending months confined in metal cages, never able to use their wings or breathe fresh air, ever be "exhibiting normal behaviour patterns."!
Wildlife presenter Chris Packham said: "This is factory farming on an industrial scale and clearly needs better regulation and enforcement of the existing rules. These birds are not a domestic species, so would be horribly stressed in these appalling crates where, contrary to the guidlines, there is absolutely no natural enrichment at all.
This clearly displays scant regard for these animals' welfare.
They are treated purely as egg laying machines - and all so that their offspring can be shot."
It certainly seems that way.