October 2nd is World Farm Animals Day. Established in 1983, it is now a day when people in all 50 states and two dozen countries memorialize the suffering and death of 50 billion cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and other sentient animals in the world's factory farms and slaughterhouses every year. The specific date was chosen as it marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, an outspoken advocate for the humane treatment of animals.

In Santa Cruz, The Progressive Animal Rights Alliance chose to mark the day by demonstrating at the Kentucky Fried Chicken on Mission Street in an ongoing effort to draw attention to KFC's refusal to implement guidelines developed by its own animal welfare panelists for the treatment of the almost 800,000,000 chickens it processes every year. About a dozen activists handed out informational flyers to passing motorists and customers entering and leaving the fast-food restaurant. One KFC employee showed her displeasure with the demonstration by flipping the bird to the demonstrators and the outlet's manager kicked one activist in front of customers and another witness. Full Report with Audio and Photos

PETA's Ongoing Kentucky Fried Cruelty Campaign
Check Indybay's Animal Liberation Calendar for Future Local Events
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