Story Created:
Aug 7, 2008 at 1:44 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Aug 7, 2008 at 6:13 PM EDT
UTICA - Supporters of "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals" or PETA gathered Thursday at KFC on Genesee Street in Utica to protest what they call "Kentucky Fried Cruelty!"
But that didn't stop hungry people from grabbing a bite to eat at the restaurant.
Linda Amador is a PETA supporter, and Thursday, she was protesting in front of KFC. She used to eat at the chicken chain, but has since become a vegetarian and a staunch defender of animal rights.
"I love animals. I love all animals," Amador said. "And chickens are being abused at KFC."
PETA supporters say KFC's supplier is one of the worst offenders when it comes to the treatment of chickens.
"They're scalded alive in de-feathering tanks," said Ken Burritt, a PETA supporter. "They're gathered up by their hind quarters. Their necks are broken. Their throats are slit. It's really horrendous."
But in a statement to NEWSChannel 2, a KFC Spokesperson said:
"KFC is committed to the well-being and humane treatment of chickens. We're proud of our responsible, industry-leading animal welfare guidelines. We buy our quality chickens from the same trusted brands that consumers buy in local supermarkets. While we don't own any poultry facilities, we require all of our suppliers to follow welfare guidelines developed by us with leading experts on our animal welfare advisory council. We don't comment on PETA's activities and publicity stunts, which speak for themselves."
PETA's goal is to get people to stop eating at KFC. But for the people who grabbed lunch here today, they say no way!
"I enjoy the food," said Andre Smith, a KFC customer. "I enjoy the cooking, and KFC is a really good place."
"Ain't all chickens dead anyway?" said Nick Lumpkin another KFC customer
And even though people still stopped at KFC for lunch, Linda Amador says she'll continue to work to get her message out until KFC changes its ways.
For more information on this topic:
www.kfc.com/about/animalwelfare.asp
www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com
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