Group Cites Guinness Anti-Cruelty Policy as Grounds for Denying Talladega Raceway Stunt

For Immediate Release:
April 20, 2009

Contact:
Nicole Matthews 757-622-7382

Talladega, Ala. -- Today, PETA sent an urgent letter to Guinness World Records editor in chief Craig Glenday, urging him to refuse to accept KFC's bid to set a world record at the Talladega Superspeedway for the largest group chicken dance. Guinness has previously agreed not to certify records that involve cruelty to animals, and PETA is asking that Guinness also refuse to accept world-record bids from a company that refuses to reduce the needless suffering of chickens killed for profit.

"If this record is allowed, it could encourage other animal abusers to attempt silly feats that make a mockery of animal protection," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "KFC should use its time to improve the hideous living and dying conditions of the millions of chickens who are hurt by its suppliers."

For more information, please visit KentuckyFriedCruelty.com.

PETA's letter to Craig Glenday, editor in chief of Guinness World Records Ltd., follows.

April 20, 2009

Craig Glenday
Editor in Chief
Guinness World Records Ltd.

Dear Mr. Glenday,

On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 2 million members and supporters worldwide, I am writing regarding the upcoming attempt by fast-food giant KFC to set the record for the largest group "chicken dance" at Talladega Superspeedway. In the past, Guinness has rightly stated that it will "not accept records based on the killing or harming of animals." I urge you to go a step further and refuse to accept any records from companies that have refused to adopt even modest humane reforms that would reduce the needless suffering of animals killed for their fast-food restaurants.

Video footage, which KFC executives have seen and which has been shown on television all over the U.S., shows KFC's suppliers forcing birds into metal shackles, often breaking their wings and legs. Many are still alive when they are dragged through tanks of scalding-hot water. Workers at a KFC "Supplier of the Year" were documented stomping on live birds, spitting tobacco into their eyes, and spray painting their faces. KFC abuses chickens in ways that could warrant felony cruelty-to-animals charges if dogs or cats were the victims. The company has done nothing to stop the worst abuses of chickens, despite the availability of a far less cruel slaughter method that is cost-effective. In fact, five of KFC's animal welfare advisors resigned out of frustration with KFC's utter lack of progress.

The Guinness Book of World Records celebrates real achievement--it should not be used to publicize stunts by cruel, unethical companies such as KFC. Thank you for your consideration.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid E. Newkirk
President