BURGER bar outlets may be part of our everyday lives, but have you ever stopped to consider their negative effects -- not just to our health, but also for animals and the environment?

Every year, millions of cattle are brutally slaughtered to satisfy the UK's junk food habit. Most of these animals will have spent much of their lives in stinking, over-crowded factory sheds, deprived of the freedom to graze in the fresh air or nurture their young.

They face a bloody death in the slaughterhouse -- with many animals still being conscious when their throats are cut. Livestock farming is also one of the biggest sources of water pollution, soil erosion and methane production which contributes to global warming.

When you consider these facts -- along with headlines about BSE, food scares and junk foods being high in fat, sugar and salt -- is this really the diet we want to raise the next generation of children on?

Throughout the month of March, Animal Aid will be highlighting the negative effects of 'Burger Culture' and encouraging burger devotees around the country to opt for a delicious veggie option instead.

Animal Aid have produced a free Go Veggie pack suitable for all ages and containing recipe ideas, nutritional information and even a cartoon booklet. For your free pack, call our Veggie Hotline on 01732 354032.

YVONNE TAYLOR, Campaigns Co-ordinator, Animal Aid, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent.