Following the television programme made by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, I was impressed by the televised reactions of many in relation to animal welfare, and the recognition of the humane ways we can rear poulty. Making any animal more comfortable throughout its life is something the vast majority of us would want, irrespective of our eating beliefs....

For the omnivores among us, an improvement in the flavour of the end product is a benefit, coupled with knowing that the 'products' we deliberately created did not have as restricted a life as that of those reared without natural light, exercise or stimulation.

And for the vegetarians among us, at least we can take some solice that if the campaign works, less of the birds comsumed will havee at least benefited from a less cruel experience of the world.

Free range is a start, and a good one. With increasing customer buy-in, non-free range products  can be phased out, and prices can be made more competitive.
Although never to be as cheap, pardoning the pun, many would agree that the small difference in cost is a fair price to pay for the welfare of the animals during its 60 days of life, and for the better quality it becomes.

With many bad practices in operation, including pumping birds full of hormones, and water, not least to increase the weight and growth rate, will no doubt be the next stage in the campaign to highlight, but as a very good start, letting people recognise the difference is a very positive campaign.

Maybe we could even add our town to the website as one willing to make more of an effort to support free range? After all, especially with Jamie Oliver's connections to the area, and the comparative affluence compared to many other towns, what a good example we could set, of both solidarity and support, but also of our towns attitude towards the well-being of chickens, we as a town consume.

After all, finance is a small price to pay for the knowledge that we have made the life of something we consume better, apart from creating a better tasting product. Thanks to Hughs public efforts and the associated programme, the thought of the quality of life for mass produced chickens only leaves a bitter taste in the viewers mouth..

Congratulations to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and his many new supporters, and for more information, contact the Chicken Out campaign on www.chickenout.tv