Campaign Against the Cruelty of Kentucky Fried Chicken Continues

This actually is a fairly good article that give a good description of some of the issues that the campaign against Kentucky Fried Chicken is addressing. Also, good to see reactions by actual people.

Article:

Animals rights group takes aim at KFC

http://www.connpost.com/ci_3705413

GENEVIEVE REILLY greilly@ctpost.com

BRIDGEPORT — Why did the big chicken with the broken leg cross the road?

To protest allegedly fowl abuse by fast food giant KFC.

"We're asking people to eat at any other restaurant until KFC changes its methods," said Lindsay Rajt, a campaign coordinator with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Three PETA members stood outside the downtown KFC outlet on Main Street for about an hour Wednesday, passing out leaflets and DVDs to the midday lunch crowd.

One of three PETA protesters drew attention to their cause by dressing in a chicken suit and hobbling around on a crutch to underscore the group's contention that the birds are abused.

The animal-rights advocates urged diners to boycott KFC, whose menu specializes in chicken offerings, claiming KFC often slits chickens' throats and scalds the birds while they are still conscious.

In a statement, the company denied PETA's allegations.

"KFC is committed to the well-being and humane treatment of chickens. We're proud of our responsible industry-leading animal welfare guidelines," the KFC statement said. "We buy our quality chickens from the same trusted brands that consumers buy in local supermarkets."

According to KFC, the company does not own any poultry farms or processing facilities, but requires all suppliers to follow guidelines developed by its Animal Welfare Advisory Council.

"The chickens are so full of drugs to make them grow bigger, oftentimes their weak legs can't support the weight of their upper bodies," Rajt said.

Rajt was joined in the PETA protest by JoJo Chlebogiannis and Romulo Ramos, who wore the chicken suit.

The chicken-costumed protester drew some stares, as well as laughter, from passers-by, and prompted a lively exchange with city resident Philip Watkins.

"I used to live next door to a poultry man," Watkins said. "Everybody loves chicken. They can show me all the pictures in the world. This is not going to stop people from eating chicken."

But the PETA message did stop Tyrone Middlebrook, who was on his way into the restaurant for a bite to eat.

"I was going to go in, but she told me not to," Middlebrook said as he started walking back down the street. "Man, I want to go in there, but I guess I'll go down here."

Another Bridgeport resident, Susan Campas, said the protest left her undecided.

She held a Subway sandwich as she listened to Rajt.

"I just ate here yesterday," Campas said. "I've never heard anyone go against KFC."

James Miller stopped to ask where he could send a donation to PETA.

"I support this protest because they are cruel to animals," Miller said. He said people too often use cruel methods "in order to get a better-tasting meal. It's not right."

Others just shook their heads and went right on in to the KFC to order lunch.

But Rajt said she thinks the small protest had an impact.

"People don't want to support cruelty," she said.