Animal charity The Humane League UK (THL UK) is taking a stand against fast-food giant KFC this summer, vowing to shut down drive-thrus across the country to protest the company’s abandonment of its commitment to improving animal welfare.
KFC recently reneged on its promise to stop using fast-growing breeds of chicken, known as “Frankenchickens,” by 2026. Despite months of dialogue and peaceful protests, KFC has refused to publish a new timeline to end the use of these genetically modified animals who suffer from muscle diseases, blisters, and burns due to their rapid growth.
Claire Williams, campaigns manager at THL UK, expressed frustration with KFC’s lack of action, stating, “These birds are tormented, trapped, and suffering. Without a roadmap for change, we have no choice but to shut down drive-thrus and expose the shocking truth to KFC customers.”
KFC has announced plans to give its UK-raised birds more space by October 2025, but this only applies to around 50% of their supply. With a £1.5 billion expansion in the UK and Ireland on the horizon, KFC’s commitment to animal welfare remains in question as more Frankenchickens will inevitably endure unnecessary suffering.
The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) aims to address the worst forms of suffering in chicken farming, including phasing out Frankenchickens in favor of healthier, slower-growing breeds. Currently, 90% of chickens raised and killed for meat in the UK are Frankenchickens, highlighting a severe crisis in animal cruelty that THL UK is determined to combat.
As editor of The Ecologist, Brendan Montague highlights the importance of THL UK’s efforts to hold KFC accountable for its inhumane practices. By shedding light on the reality of factory farming and advocating for change, THL UK hopes to inspire consumers to make ethical choices and support businesses that prioritize animal welfare.
