Abuse of Birds by McDonald’s Illuminated by Times Square Ad

Abuse of birds in McDonald’s supply chain illuminated by Times Square ad

As thousands descended upon Times Square to ring in the New Year, the crowd saw an eye-opening billboard from a coalition of animal protection organizations including Animal Outlook, Animal Equality, The Humane League, World Animal Protection and Mercy For Animals.

This powerful ad exposes fast-food giant McDonald’s and the unconscionable abuse of birds in its supply chain.

Ramping up efforts to urge McDonald’s to adopt meaningful welfare standards for chickens, this billboard builds on a previous 10-second advertisement in the same spot that was debuted in July of 2018.

New year, same cruelty

Chickens farmed for food are crowded into filthy, dark sheds with little space to move for the duration of their short lives. But even with the space to move, many birds cannot. Because of selective breeding for painful and cruel rapid growth, young birds are often unable to carry their own weight as their legs and organs fail to support their bodies. Many will suffer painful medical conditions or die even before they are taken to slaughter at only about six weeks old.

However, because of your support, McDonald’s may be hearing us. In December, McDonald’s debuted a vegan burger option in its Chicago headquarters — where we drew attention in 2018 by sending a singing chicken to the chain’s Chicago headquarters.

McDonald’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy Lucy Brady recently said, “plant-based protein is something we’re keeping our eye on,” citing the popularity of plant-based patties like the Impossible Burger.

Still, the heartbreaking abuse of birds in McDonald’s supply chain continues–so it’s up to us to share the truth with the world and urge the company to offer vegan options and adopt meaningful welfare standards for birds.

Help us keep pressuring McDonald’s for a nationwide vegan option. Submit a quick comment on our easy form today.