DEAR Jasminda,

THIS morning in the supermarket I challenged a fellow shopper on her choice of selecting caged eggs over free range.

I felt some remorse afterwards as I normally mind my own business and don’t like to be rude to people, however on the other hand I feel torn as I find the cruelty these poor chickens have to endure just to save a few cents at the checkout is worth calling someone out on their choice.

If we all stay silent on these cruelty issues they will continue.

Was I overstepping the mark?

How do you see it?

Dear Liz,

Have you seen that advertisement on television where the little pig sings ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story before it flies out of its factory farm?

I tell you, that ad absolutely kills me.

It brings me to tears.

It is so well executed (terrible word choice) that for a moment I can imagine a world where there is no animal cruelty.

Yeah, and pigs might fly, some will say.

Well, in this ad, they do.

It is abhorrent that supermarkets still stock eggs from caged chickens.

Offering them at a cheaper rate than free-range is negligent.

I agree with you that staying silent on cruelty issues will mean they continue.

Perhaps the answer is to approach the supermarket’s manager and ask why they are still providing an option that supports inhumane practices.

Having owned chickens, I know that they each have individual personalities.

They deserve room to move, a place to have dust baths, sunlight, and the ability to stretch their wings.

I wonder if the caged-egg cartons had pictures of baby chickens with part of their beaks removed so they don’t peck each other to death from stress, or living a life in cramped and dark conditions over a manure pit, those sunny-side-up eggs would taste as good?

Education is the place to start, so no, not only were you not overstepping the mark, but you were also giving a voice to the voiceless.

You’re a good egg, Liz.