PETA activists want KFC boycotted

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) Alleging abusive treatment of chickens by Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in India, animal rights group PETA Thursday distributed balloons urging customers to boycott the popular fast food chain.

Activists of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) dressed up as chickens and distributed balloons saying 'Boycott KFC' outside a Connaught Place outlet.

'Every chicken KFC serves has suffered a lifetime of torment and a painful death,' alleged Arkaprava Bhar, PETA's KFC campaign coordinator.

According to PETA, KFC's suppliers treat chicks cruelly by drugging them and breed them to grow so large that the chicken becomes crippled under its own weight. 'The chickens' throats and beaks are cut while still conscious, some are even scaled to death, which is an illegal treatment,' Bhar said.

In a statement, PETA India said they had written many letters asking KFC executives to stop the abuse but the pleas fell on deaf years.

In response to PETA's protest, KFC issued a statement saying though they appreciate and understand the concerns regarding animal welfare highlighted by PETA, KFC is committed to the highest poultry welfare standards.

'Our suppliers meet all relevant national animal welfare legislation and industry standards. We do not own or operate any poultry farms, but purchase products from the highest quality producers who also supply other leading supermarkets and retailers, ' said KFC spokesperson Ashna Sridhar.