My chickens have no voice, but I know that they are happy because I treat them kindly and with respect. I love my chickens, and everything they do in return for me. They are well kept, have space to free-range amongst the garden beds (when empty), and they provide our family with entertainment and an abundance of healthy eggs!
I have been quiet on the subject of factory farmed animals for quite a while, and learnt a few facts yesterday at the Sustainable Living Festival, so it is time to break the silence.
Voiceless Australia have launched a campaign highlighting the conditions that factory farmed pigs and chickens are kept in around the country. I support them 100%, and believe that we are way behind European Union standards for animal cruelty laws. As Hugo Weaving (ambassador for Voiceless) says, “If I treated a dog the way pigs and chickens are treated on these farms, I’d likely be prosecuted”.
These animals are treated like objects, and without respect and dignity. Having watched pigs as a kid on our dairy farm, it does not surprise me that it has been found that they have the intellect of a 3 year old human child, and as for chickens, they each have their own personality and social structure.
So pleased be warned that these two following TV ads may disturb some readers, but they are factual. I personally don’t think they are hard hitting enough, but they certainly do get the point across.