The chooks that were cannibalised in the Wairarapa will never know it, probably, but they have died in a good cause.
They have demonstrated that “free range” on food labels has nothing much to do with animal welfare.
Alf always knew as much.
But his constituents have had this affirmed on the good authority of the SPCA, which has issued a statement on the matter in the aftermath of a free-range layer hen farm in Martinborough being abandoned by the farmers.
As was recorded here two days ago, many hens were left neglected, to fend for themselves, and they set about eating each other, but not – presumably – with fries as an accompaniment.
The SPCA got in on the act yesterday with a media statement to explain that “free range” on your food label does not necessarily show the poultry is the product of good animal welfare practices.
Posted by Alf Grumble 
Alf Grumble 