Bollywood heartthrob R Madhavan has a big heart himself, especially when it comes to defenceless animals. That’s why the star of such blockbusters as Rang De Basanti, Guru and 3 Idiots sent a letter to David Novak, CEO of KFC parent company Yum! Brands, urging him to adopt PETA’s recommendations to stop the worst abuses of chickens who are killed for KFC.
“I am sure you’re a compassionate person who agrees that animals – whether they are dogs, cats or chickens – should not be abused and that working to stop this unnecessary cruelty should be a top priority”, writes Madhavan to Novak. “Please use your unique position to stop the worst abuses of these sensitive birds by making the improvements suggested by PETA and KFC’s own former animal welfare advisors.”
Birds raised and killed for KFC have their beaks cut off with a hot blade – a cruel practice that makes eating extremely painful for the animals. Birds are drugged and bred to grow so large that they often become crippled from supporting the weight of their own bodies. At slaughterhouses, birds’ legs are slammed into shackles – a procedure that often results in broken legs and wings. Birds have their throats cut while they are still conscious, and many are scalded to death in defeathering tanks. Undercover investigations of KFC suppliers in Germany, India, England and Australia have exposed crippled chickens living in filthy, crowded conditions. PETA is asking people to boycott KFC restaurants until animal welfare improvements are adopted.
In the US, KFC has ignored recommendations for animal welfare improvements that were made by its own animal welfare advisors, including five who have since resigned in frustration.
Madhavan has also appeared in a PETA ad to promote a compassionate vegetarian diet. For more information, please visit PETAAsiaPacific.com.
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