PETA activists hold protest outside KFC outlet

According to the PETA,nbsp;video footage obtained after an 8220;undercover investigation8221; of a US slaughterhouse in West Virginia show the birds being cruelly treated by workers.

8220;Every bird KFC serves has endured a tortured life and a painful death. We are not asking people to become vegetarian as it will be impractical, but we are urging them not to have food from KFC until the company implements basic animal welfare standards,8221; said PETA campaign coordinator Rahul Patil.

8220;I believe that like others, KFC must adhere to the standards set for animal welfare,8221; said Sumit Bhattacharya, a regular at the outlet.

According to PETA reports, KFC suppliers pack chickens in filthy and crowded warehouses.

The birds are drugged for breeding and millions are scalded to death in de-featuring tanks.

8220;PETA India has already written a number of letters to KFC executives about these issues. But KFC has refused to abide by the norms and is trying to hide behind its Animal Welfare Advisory Council in US, despite five of its members resigning in frustration,8221; said Patil.

The protestors called for adoption of animal care standards, switching to controlled atmosphere killing and mechanised chicken gathering, with the laying down of transparent welfare standards.