CONGRATULATIONS to youngsters Grace and Maxim Plowright for urging Wychavon District Council to reject plans for an intensive chicken farm in the nearby village of Upton Snodsbury (Journal, June 13).

They are quite right to fear that noise, smell and pollution from the proposed broiler rearing facility would reduce the quality of their lives and spoil the environment.

It’s important, however, that all of us, including those objecting to the chicken farm, should not forget the most seriously affected victims of such broiler units – the chickens themselves.

If approved, these plans would condemn well over half a million of these birds a year to a life of misery and suffering.

Chickens are inquisitive, highly social animals, but on factory farms they are forced to spend their lives in sheds that reek of ammonia with tens of thousands of other birds.

Then they are crammed into crates when they reach ‘table weight’ at only six weeks old and taken for often painful slaughter.

Over 90 per cent of the 850 million chickens consumed in this country annually are reared using such cruel methods and, while people continue to eat chicken, such intensive broiler farms will continue to exist in their thousands.

That’s why the best way the public can oppose such appalling places is to refuse to eat chicken altogether.

There is no need for any creatures to be reared and slaughtered for human consumption, as we can live perfectly well on a diet free from animal products, which would also benefit the environment and our own health.

Our group exists to help anyone who wishes to become vegan, vegetarian or to reduce the amount of animal products they eat, so if you are interested in switching to a more humane diet, please contact us at info@worcs veg.org.uk or on 01562 700043 or visit our website at worcsveg.org.uk.

RONALD LEE Communications Officer Worcestershire Vegans & Veggies