BEFORE your readers start planning their festive feasts, can I ask them to spare a thought for the poor turkey? And I don't mean just because he's dead, he probably suffered terribly during his short life.

About ten million turkeys are reared every year in the UK for the Christmas period. Most of these are factory-farmed in large, windowless buildings with up to 25,000 birds crammed into each shed.

They stand on a floor, typically covered with wood shavings, which becomes extremely wet and dirty. Many suffer from ulcerated feet and lameness.

Nearly one tenth of these birds will die in this shed - starving because they are not strong enough to fight to get to the food and water.

Everyone can help. If you want to eat turkey for Christmas dinner make sure you buy one marked "free-range" or "organic". If your supermarket won't stock them ask your local butcher.

Birds reared under these schemes enjoy fresh air and freedom and don't suffer anywhere near as much as factory farmed birds.

If you feel inclined to try something different, there are also many excellent books that provide vegetarian recipes just for Christmas.

D J Bouthwood,

Alma Court,

Off Alma Terrace, York

Updated: 10:07 Saturday, December 21, 2002