By Maxine Shapiro, KERA 90.1 business commentator
Dallas, TX – This hasn't been a stellar time for animal welfare rights. I was pleased to read that America's fast food chains are finally doing something about it. I'm Maxine Shapiro with KERA Marketplace Midday.
On the quest for higher profits and lower prices, corporations turned their back on the inhumane treatment of the cows, pigs and chickens they slaughter for their restaurant chains. More and more animals were being crammed into smaller and smaller pens. In an amazing not-a-minute-too-late move, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and Wendy's are joining forces in the study of the animals' welfare.
The flavor of a New York Times article reveals a genuine willingness and concern, especially with McDonald's, over how these animals are treated. The companies have commissioned Purdue University to study the behavior of these animals: their likes and dislikes, how important is social contact, and how much space they need. Ridiculous? Not any more.
McDonald's last week issued a four-page policy directing suppliers to phase out the use of antibiotics to promote growth in animals by the end of 2004. Suppliers will face audits and submit to annual certifications. The article also tells how McDonald's, who buys about two billion eggs a year, has pressured that industry, "to stop the practice of temporarily withholding food and water to induce hens to lay larger eggs."
Producers are far from elated over these new mandates. They accuse these restaurants of caving in to public demand - a marketing ploy, they're complaining. So who cares what the motivation is? Change is occurring. And if you still think it's silly, hold your stomach because here's a practice that should have gone out with the cave man: a short while ago, factory farms were clubbing the animals before being killed. It's evolved to the use of electric stun guns to knock them unconscious. But thank goodness, soon, cages might be eliminated and a gas will be used to gently put them to sleep first. Nothing silly here. For KERA Marketplace Midday, I'm Maxine Shapiro.
Marketplace Midday Reports air on KERA 90.1 Monday - Friday at 1:04 p.m.
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