Restaurant Chains Fire Back at Animal Welfare Report

World Animal Protection is an animal-rights group based in the United Kingdom. Subway, as well as international casual-dining chain Nando’s, fired back at criticism leveled against them in a report from the organization titled “The Pecking Order.” Industry website Meating Place Dot Com says six other national chains were also included in the criticism, which has to do with how well the chains are making efforts to “improve the lives of the chickens their businesses depend on.” The report is a part of the organization’s “Change for Chickens” campaign. World Animal Protection says in its report that, “Some of the biggest and most iconic food companies in the world are doing little to improve the lives of the chickens their businesses depend on. They’re ignoring some of the opportunities that higher animal welfare standards create.” Subway issued a statement saying, “We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that our animals are treated well in accordance with Subway’s Global Animal Welfare Policy. We are committed to improving chicken welfare standards across our supply chain and are working closely with Compassion in World Farming across Europe and the U.S.” Other chains cited in the report include Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks.