Easter Lamb.

Lambs are often slaughtered at about four months old, although some are killed as young as ten weeks and others up to 15 months. The meat from older sheep is called mutton and is less popular than lamb so is mostly used in processed foods. Ewes are able to live to the age of 15 or so but are slaughtered after four to eight.

Also killed will be around 12 million babies known as “prime lamb”. At 4-6 months old when they should be frolicking in the field under their mothers’ watchful gaze.

Each one of these was a gentle, friendly individual with his or her own unique personality, just the same as your pet dog or cat. Something, perhaps, to contemplate over the Sunday roast.