ALISTAIR RUTTER writes in praise of the Environmental Health Officer who visited “unannounced” the farm opposite his home to warn the occupant that he should keep his hens housed until February 28 (D&S Times, March 3).

He may lack the sensitivity to know that his letter appears more of a self-congratulatory one, to show what a decent citizen he is.

He doesn’t say whether he had forewarned the farmer that he was breaking the law and that he would be reported if he didn’t respond, but perhaps he was too busy with his video camera providing evidence for the said officer (who, we note, didn’t see fit to prosecute).

I have six rescue hens, released today into God’s fresh air for the first time in weeks, and they were appalled when I read them the letter.

“Do they collaborate in Bishop Auckland as they did in Vichy France?” they clucked.

I wasn’t aware of the temporary poultry restrictions initially, discovered them by chance, but fortunately I have decent neighbours who would tell me before rushing off to the authorities.

We then learn from Mr Rutter that 35 infected hens near Haltwhistle were humanely killed although “some were already dead”.

Sorry to seem pedantic but unless they are prone to resurrection, how is it possible to kill a dead hen?

Mine are dying to know.

John Garside, Thirsk