I hope the spring chicks that were taken to a children’s playgroup and a care home as part of “Easter celebrations” will be allowed to live long and happy lives (Youngsters feeling chirpy after a visit, Advertiser, April 26).

Sadly, most chickens are reared in appalling factory farm conditions, and are bred to grow so fast that they become crippled under their own weight. Then, at only six weeks old, they are crammed into crates and taken for often painful slaughter.

The best way the public can prevent such appalling cruelty is to refuse to eat chicken. In fact, there is no need for any creatures to be reared and slaughtered for human consumption, as we can live perfectly well on a vegan diet free from animal products, which would also benefit the environment and our own health.

Daniel Minter

Redditch