All of us at one point or another have participated in the world-famous chicken dance — a spectacle that no matter how hard you try to avoid, invariably ends up happening after two or three drinks at a wedding or anniversary party. It’s a testament to the giddiness of dancing like a chicken that somehow makes the song escape mood killers like the Macarena or Cotton-Eyed Joe.

Alas, the powers that be at KFC have decided to take this dumb/fun song and use it to earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records — and, we imagine, score some free press. The fast-food giant will try to set a world record at the Talladega Superspeedway for the largest group chicken dance. As expected, PETA is having none of it and has written Guinness in an attempt to get them to dismiss the attempt on the grounds of KFC’s awful animal record. Apparently, the record-keepers will not certify anything that involves cruelty to animals. Obviously, this is a bit of a reach by PETA to extend that rule to people dancing like chickens — but perhaps simply participating is self-inflicted cruelty in and of itself?

Check out the full letter from PETA to Guinness after the jump!

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

Categories: Animals.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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