Madam, - I was saddened by recent reports of two cases of cruel and inhumane treatment of animals on Irish farms. I'm sure most Irish people were appalled. Sadly, however, most Irish people are also unknowingly involved in perpetuating the cruel and inhumane treatment of millions of broiler chickens and battery hens for most of their short lives.
Broiler hens, for instance, live on average for 42 days, the time it takes to reach slaughter weight. They are kept in severely overcrowded sheds and pushed to grow so quickly that many suffer leg disorders and others die of heart failure.
Unlike so many other stories of inhumanity where one is at a loss for what to do to help, the solution here is very attainable. Don't support this cruel practice. Don't buy these factory farmed chickens or their eggs. The humane alternative is to buy free-range meat chickens or switch to hams, fish or some other alternative source of good quality protein.
Every Irish person can and does exercise their choice in this mater every day through their shopping habits. I feel certain the majority of Irish people would not support this cruel system if they truly knew the facts. - Yours, etc.,
M. DESCH, Goatstown Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14.