In a perhaps somewhat misguided turn that could make carnivores out of the strictest vegetarians (I'm kidding, folks), animal-rights group PETA is considering signing the polarizing Paris Hilton as its latest spokeswoman. Playing on the fact that the Hilton Hotels (NYSE: HLT) heiress and party girl is currently spending time behind bars, PETA officials hope Ms. Hilton grows to empathize with chickens and other animals who live out their days in cramped, confined spaces.
A PETA spokesperson told MSNBC's gossip columnist that "We're asking Paris to narrate our Kentucky Fried Cruelty video showing how chickens are routinely crammed into tiny cages and suffer broken wings and legs ... unlike inmates at the jail in L.A., these animals get no reprieve or medical treatment."
The group even has the tag line sewn up "KFC - that's not hot." My opinion? That's not creative, and the Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) chain should have nothing to worry about. While the ethical treatment of animals is an important issue, perhaps a more sympathetic, thoughtful spokesperson would better convey the severity of the problem. KFC officials say their chicken is purchased from suppliers such as Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) and Perdue Farms, which are all routinely monitored for animal welfare violations.
While Paris has yet to respond, PETA is encouraged by the precedent of Martha Stewart narrating an anti-fur video after her incarceration.
Beth Gaston Moon is an analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-13-2007 @ 6:22PM
CHris said...
PETA are against animal cruelty and labs right?
Their president (of PETA) uses insulin which was made from animal testing! !! ! (penn and teller FTW) and saved her stupid life because of it and many others (millions am I right?)
SO PETA ARE A BUNCH OF MORON IDIOTS! AND NO ONE SHOULD LISTEN TO THEM ! !
6-14-2007 @ 12:50AM
JohnnySensible said...
Paris is an angel! The "good old Christian boys" running KFC will eventually change their business model & switch to using yummy vegan ingredients in their dishes. Our Saviour Jesus will guide them. There is no mention in any of the scriptures of Jesus or his early followers torturing chickens / cooking them whilst still alive - see Peta's fine site about our Lord at http://www.jesusveg.com This site is Peta helping KFC to change - http://www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com/ Here is a directory with many "tortured chicken-free places" to eat in - http://www.happycow.net
6-15-2007 @ 9:50PM
William Page said...
let us act as ADULTS on this website if this is possible