Shocking abuses: KFC involved in animal welfare scandal!

Shocking abuses: KFC involved in animal welfare scandal!

The fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is facing a serious crisis. The Frankfurt (Oder) public prosecutor's office has begun investigations into possible violations of the Animal Welfare Act in three chicken fattening facilities in Brandenburg. This information was confirmed on Thursday by a spokesman for the public prosecutor's office after the animal rights organization “Aninova” presented clear footage documenting sick, injured and dead animals. The recordings come from fattening farms in Stechlin, Storkow and Mollnitz, where animal husbandry is obviously in a worrying state. A key point is the fact that one of the main buyers of the meat supplies KFC directly, which makes the situation particularly explosive.

The documentaries published by the ARD political magazine “Report Mainz” reveal serious grievances: too many animals in too small a space, inadequate hygiene and disrespectful treatment of the animals, which are forcibly pushed into transport crates when they are released. Jan Peifer from Aninova criticized the companies that have joined the animal welfare initiative but do not comply with the established animal welfare criteria. With this public rebuke, it is becoming increasingly difficult for KFC to maintain its advertising claims about "happy chickens on green fields" while such shocking images expose the reality.

Reactions and consequences

The Animal Welfare Initiative has already imposed a ban on one of the affected companies and initiated sanction proceedings after serious violations were discovered. A report from daily news emphasizes that in some cases fines were even imposed because the companies were apparently unable to implement necessary improvements such as retrofitting drinking systems in a timely manner. Despite these deficiencies, the animals continued to be slaughtered under the Animal Welfare Initiative label.

KFC itself has commented on the allegations and assured that a comprehensive review of the current situation will take place together with the suppliers. If it is found that standards have not been met, KFC will “take action”. It is worth noting that the chain operates over 200 restaurants in Germany and is pursuing a clear expansion course, which makes public perception all the more important.

Criminal charges against the operator

The public prosecutor's office has already received a criminal complaint against the operator of a facility in Storkow. The accusation not only concerns the mistreatment in the companies, but also the potential criminal offenses that, according to the Hessian state animal protection officer Madeleine Martin, exist. The veterinary authorities of several districts in Brandenburg have also begun to initiate investigations into animal welfare violations. One of the biggest problems remains the catastrophic husbandry of the broiler chickens, which are reportedly standing on centimeter-thick layers of feces.

The developments clearly show that it is urgently necessary for KFC and the companies affected to deal with the allegations and stick to the high standards that they promote in their advertising. The situation raises questions not only about animal husbandry, but also about the values ​​that large companies should represent. RBB24 will follow developments conscientiously and report further results at an early stage.