ANIMAL rights activists are urging landlords of the Fighting Cocks in Godshill near Fordingbridge to change the name of the pub to the Clever Cocks.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claim the pub’s historic name brings to mind the violence, cruelty, and illegal activity of cock fighting.

PETA director Mimi Bekhechi said: “Today, kind people are appalled by the thought of forcing birds to fight to the death, and more people than ever are making the compassionate choice not to eat chickens, either.”

And in a letter to landlords Tim and Kay Eyre, Dawn Carr, on behalf of PETA, said: “While we trust that you are not actually promoting or endorsing cock fighting, the name Fighting Cocks calls to mind the violence and gore of a hideous blood sport so cruel that it has been outlawed in the UK for more than a century.

“You see, chickens just want to be loved.

“We hope a name change to The Clever Cocks would encourage people to rethink the way we treat chickens and grant these birds the respect and kindness that they deserve.

“Every year, billions of chickens are denied everything that is natural and important to them, are locked upside down in metal shackles and have their throats slit, many while still conscious.

Ms Carr added: “We understand that The Fighting Cocks is part of the community and that there may be some resistance to a name change, but just as many pubs with names tied to slavery changed their names to match modern enlightened sensibilities.”

And PETA has several chicken facts for coasters, including that hens are attracted to cocks with large wattles, mourn when they lose a loved one, and have exhibited mathematical reasoning.

The Fighting Cocks was built in 1927 opposite an original cock pit.

At the time of going to press Tim and Kay Eyre were unavailable for comment.