Turkey

SIR - I was interested to read about the “Save the Turkey” initiative organised by Ian Barlow’s daughter Charlie at the Sidmouth Garden Centre.

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By saving the birds and raising money for Children’s Hospice South West at the same time, she is sending out a message of compassion to all our fellow creatures, both human and non-human. This is surely what Christmas should be about.

Over 90 per cent of turkeys bred for meat consumption are factory farmed, i.e. killed at only a few weeks old after being crammed into dirty, windowless sheds and fattened up so quickly that their legs cannot support them. Free-range turkeys may fare better, but will still have an unnaturally short life and suffer the same violent and unnecessary death, merely to satisfy a culinary whim.

So, why not opt out of the annual slaughter fest altogether this year and go for a delicious chestnut, port and thyme strudel instead? There are countless exciting and inspiring meat-free recipes at http://vegetarianrecipeclub.org.uk, for example. How much greater the pleasure of tucking into a celebratory feast when you know that no animal has suffered in the making of it! And why be cruel when you can be kind?

I wish Charlie Barlow, and all Sidmouth Herald readers, a happy, cruelty-free Christmas!

Sharon L Howe

Fortescue Road Sidmouth