Under-fire sport that’s shooting itself in the foot

THIS is factory farming on an industrial scale and clearly needs better regulation and enforcement of the existing rules. The government’s laissez-faire attitude to spot checking these farms is inappropriate and is in need of immediate attention. The birds are not a domestic species, so they would be horribly stressed in these appalling crates where,

contrary to the guidelines, there is absolutely no natural enrichment at all.

This clearly displays scant regard for these animals’ welfare.

They are treated as egg machines – and all so that their offspring can be shot. The shooting industry is under fire from many angles at the moment.

Conservationists like myself have had enough of the persecution of birds of prey, the use of lead shot and the mismanagement -of important habitats. And now this. The responsible and sustainable shooting fraternity needs to distance itself rapidly from those who are very seriously damaging its interests.