Yes: they _are_ being bred for hunting... -- which I'm in two minds about. I'm a committed veggie; but, having worked in farming, totally understand why such things occur.
The farmer who breeds these puts so much love, care and attention into producing them; and, even though he does this for a hobby (he's a beef and arable farmer, really; but also runs a stable -- as agriculture pays a pittance in this country...), accepts that they're really "just another crop".
I had the privilege of being with him when he brought one of the males down from the fields to get this lot started(!): and the tenderness he showed the bird was actually quite moving. (He said he was "going to introduce him to his new wives..."!)
I live in a small rural community, though: so whatever my personal feelings, know that such things have to go on for it to survive....
