'Respect chickens, install their statue'

Animal rights body PETA today asked civic authorities of major cities in the country to install a statue of chicken in prominent locations as "a mark of respect to billions of birds killed for food".

Animal rights body PETA on Monday asked civic authorities of major cities in the country to install a statue of chicken in prominent locations as "a mark of respect to billions of birds killed for food".

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"Erecting a chicken statue will elevate these bright, inquisitive birds in the minds of residents, perhaps convincing many to help by leaving chicken off their plates," PETA's chief functionary Anuradha Sawhney said in a letter to civic authorities of all major cities.

Making a forceful plea for mercy towards the bird on the 'International Chicken Respect Day' today, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said "billions of chicken were raised on factory farms each year and never have the chance to do anything natural and important."

PETA, which advocate for vegetarianism, said people need be sensitised about the rights of poor animals and birds that are killed en masse for food.

"Chickens are fascinating birds that in some ways are as intelligent as mammals such as cats, dogs and even some primates. They are very social animals who like to spend their days together scratching for food, cleaning themselves in dust baths, roosting in trees and lying in the sun," campaign co-ordinator of PETA Nikunj Sharma said.