I cannot understand why anyone would take this so personally, all countries including my own do things we are not proud of, or agree with, just because other countries do similar things or worse does not justify it in any way IMO.

I would be the first person to stand up against my own country that condoned cruelty to animals of any kind, as I see it, most people are objecting to the way in which it is done, not so much that it is done, if there is an over-population as you state then maybe it is necessary, but humanely is all most animal lovers ask.

Our government has not ruled out the keeping of battery hens, it was up for debate recently, and I am apalled this practice is being allowed to continue,my girlfriend recently rescued a few battery hens, you only have to see one against her healthy free range hens to know this is wrong and cruel, luckily they will have a great life producing eggs, and not even make it to the dinner table, changing the subject a little here, but my point is everyone should IMO be prepared to stand up against their own country regardless when it comes to any kind of animal cruelty.