For Immediate Release:
January 8, 2009

Contact:
Matt Prescott 757-622-7382

Toronto -- For making strides that will benefit animals--the first through its landmark farmed-animal welfare reforms, and the second through its compassion-fostering toy animals--Toronto-based KFC restaurant operator Priszm Income Fund and toymaker Webkinz have been recognized in PETA's sixth annual Proggy Awards. The companies will each receive a framed certificate and will be featured on PETA's award-winning Web site PETA.org. PETA's Proggy Awards (Proggy is for "progress") recognize animal-friendly achievements in commerce and culture.

 ◦ Company of the Year: Priszm Income Fund
After a six-year campaign by PETA, Priszm agreed in May 2008 to adopt an industry-leading animal welfare plan. Priszm will urge Canadian KFC suppliers to phase out growth-promoting drugs and breeding practices that painfully cripple chickens and, together with the company that coordinates purchasing for all Canadian KFCs, will work to ensure that chickens purchased for Canadian KFCs come from suppliers that use a less cruel method of chicken slaughter. Priszm also introduced the Classic Vegetarian Sandwich--the first faux chicken sandwich to be offered by any national fast-food chain--at all of its 461 KFC locations.

 ◦ Most Progressive Animal Toy: Webkinz
Webkinz plush animals come with a code that allows kids to "adopt" and care for a virtual version of their toy dog or koala. Each animal comes with happiness, health, and hunger meters, which kids can keep high by taking good care of their new friends. But the best thing about these computerized companions is that they'll never be chained up outside or dumped at animal shelters--as so many real dogs obtained on impulse are--when the novelty wears off.

"Thanks to Priszm, customers at most KFCs in Canada can now enjoy the delicious and cruelty-free Classic Vegetarian Sandwich, and many Canadian chickens will be spared some of the worst abuses that they currently suffer," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "And we thank Webkinz for making it fun for kids to learn that animals need care and deserve respect."

This year, Proggy Awards have gone to producers and marketers of vegan foods, leather-free shoes, and cruelty-free personal-care products; an animal-friendly production studio; and a member of Congress.

For more information and to see the entire list of Proggy winners, please visit PETA.org.