AN animal rights group is urging a Hampshire pub called The Fighting Cocks to change its name.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says the popular watering hole at Godshill, near Fordingbridge, brings to mind the violence and cruelty of cockfighting – a bloodsport that has been illegal in the UK since the 1800s.

The pub’s title reflects an activity that used to take place nearby – but PETA says the name should be changed to The Clever Cocks.

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.”

“Changing the name of the pub to The Clever Cocks would reflect today's rejection of needless violence and help celebrate chickens as the intelligent, sensitive and social animals they are."

In a letter to the pub PETA claims that chickens have unique personalities and sophisticated social behaviour.

“They mourn when they lose a loved one, have distinct vocalisations that they use to communicate with each other and woo one another through elaborate mating dances.

But chickens raised and killed for food spend their lives inside cramped cages or sheds, and many have their throats slit when they're still conscious and able to feel pain,” says the group.

A pub spokesman was unavailable for comment.