MOST people are now aware of factory farming and the cruelty to animals and environmental problems that this system produces. However, one area that most people are unaware of is the pheasant industry.
The image that Britain's pheasant shooters try to project is one of tweedy Edwardian elegance of responsible custodianship of the countryside.
But rather than harvesting a natural resource, pheasants are mass produced inside hatcheries and rearing sheds.
From there, the birds are moved to fattening pens, where conditions are appalling. Because of the enfeeblement that results from their upbringing, about half of the released birds will die from starvation or disease before they are gunned down.
Of the 16 million birds that are shot, about 8 million are eaten. Millions are left to rot or are buried.
For more information, contact Animal Aid at Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1AW telephone 01732 364546.
(Mrs) M HARRISON
Swindon Animal Concern
Beaulieu Close
Toothill, Swindon
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