It was apparent from Mrs M Harrison's comments (Letters, October 4) that her concern for animal welfare far outweighs her knowledge of pheasant shooting. Her letter contained many incorrect facts that should be addressed.
Pheasants are usually released into woodland at about six weeks old.
They are housed in large open-topped pens, which they leave during the day and return to at dusk.
The birds are free-range, and if insufficient food is available they will move on until a more hospitable environment is found.
Many shoots are now run on a commercial basis. A pheasant is expensive to rear, and this cost is only recouped when (and if) it is shot.
Gamekeepers and shoot owners therefore do their best to ensure that the birds are well fed, healthy and happy with their surroundings. If not, they won't be there when the shooting season begins.
Perhaps Mrs Harrison should compare the living conditions of a pheasant to those of the millions of factory-farmed chickens killed each year.
She may then feel that her efforts could be better directed elsewhere.
R Williams
Ashfield Road
Chippenham
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