I WAS appalled to see that a recent investigation into one of Marks and Spencer's major duck suppliers uncovered shocking scenes of animal suffering.

The filmed report, by animal group Viva! found ducks crammed into dirty, stinking sheds in their thousands, dead and dying birds, no water for these aquatic animals to bathe, preen or even clean themselves with and disabled ducks thrashing around on their backs in distress, unable to right themselves.

Like most people, I believed Marks and Spencer expected high welfare standards from its meat suppliers - indeed that is the main reason why many people shop there. But sadly nearly all duck meat on sale in M&S - and all other supermarkets, shops and Chinese restaurants for that matter - comes from factory farms.

Yet another animal is being abused by the million and its misery is being camouflaged with phoney welfare claims.

Anyone who looks at the pictures of how these animals are mistreated will know just how much weight they can give to Marks and Spencer's strict selection criteria.

Don't be fooled and don't buy duck meat.

To find out more you can contact Viva! at 8 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8QH. Tel: 01179 441000. Website address is www.viva.org.uk.

KAY BAXTER North Curry, Taunton