ANIMAL Aid’s letter on the conditions that breeding pheasants are housed in is relevant if only to remind us of the organisation’s lack of scientific understanding.
For it was only last year that a Defra-funded research project was published stating that the requirements of the existing Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds are satisfactory and pheasants actually appeared more “relaxed and content” in raised laying cages than in floor pens.
The Code of Practice is statutory under law, and game farms can be inspected under the Animal Welfare Act, meaning a high standard is constantly maintained.
It is in the game farmers’ best interest to rear, strong healthy birds that are able to survive in the wild.
It is at this time of year that we should be praising the wild game season, which is synonymous with the British winter months, as a market that is worth more than £2billion to the UK economy, helps accommodate over 74,000 jobs and ploughs £250million into conservation annually.
JACK KNOTT Countryside Alliance
Want to respond to this letter for publication? send us a letter
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel