A New Name for Britain’s Oldest Pub?
Since it was founded in the eighth century, Britain’s oldest pub has had many names – but since 1872, the St Albans establishment has been known as Ye Olde Fighting Cocks because of its history of cockfighting, a blood sport that has been illegal in the UK since the 1800s. We wrote to the pub owners asking them to consider changing the establishment’s name to Ye Olde Clever Cocks – in recognition of society’s growing compassion for animals and in celebration of intelligent, sensitive chickens.
Today, kind people are appalled by the thought of forcing birds to fight to the death, and more people than ever are making the compassionate choice not to eat chickens, either. By writing to the pub, we wanted to remind people that chickens are intelligent, sensitive and social animals, in the hope that they will grant these birds the respect and kindness that they deserve by leaving them off their plate.
Although the pub may not be open to the idea of a name change, we still hope people will remember that chickens truly are clever animals and so will be less likely to eat them.
Chickens are one of the most abused animals on the planet. Even on “free-range” or “cage-free” farms, they are often crammed by the thousands into filthy sheds and denied the opportunity to take dust baths, roost in trees or lie in the sun, all activities that are precious to them. There’s really no reason to eat chicken, as faux chicken is better for our health and for the environment and in blind taste tests, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference. Compassionate people can spare these animals a life a pain and suffering by simply going vegan.
So, go on – be a lover, not a fighter and go faux, not foe. Get started by ordering our free vegan starter kit.
