But there is nothing humane about these 'traditional' methods. Hens and cocks used for breeding are caught in the wild (a practice that is illegal for other wild bird species). Unsuitable captured breeding birds and surplus cocks are mass-purchased by game meat processing companies. The selected birds are routinely medicated to prevent disease in a system that confines them in unnatural crowded conditions, until they are released to be killed as cheap additions to the seasonal shooting stock.

The offspring of these birds are hatched in incubators, reared under heat and light, hand-fed and finally released into a harsh environment with developed naiveté about predators. They are unskilled nest builders and breed unsuccessfully in the wild. Furthermore, they are not suited to the British climate or to the high-flying requirements of commercial shoots.

That is why this year will be no different to any other in the sadistic shooting calendar. Another 40 million pheasants and partridge will be bred and released for a certain cruel end. Rhetoric that local and traditional game bird breeding is best is nonsense. It is the same. It is inhumane.

KIT DAVIDSON
Shooting Consultant
Animal Aid
TONBRIDGE
Kent