"We can all agree that no animal deserves to be tortured before reaching the dinner table," said Jeni Haines, national campaign coordinator for Mercy for Animals. "We're calling on Gordon Food Service to switch to more compassionate animal welfare practices and less cruel killing systems that reduce the suffering of chickens in their supply chain."
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fourteen protesters -- including one dressed as a battered, bloody, broken-winged chicken -- staged a silent demonstration outside the Gordon Food Service store on West 117th Street at lunchtime Wednesday, accusing the company of buying tortured chicken from its poultry supplier.
Jeni Haines, national campaign coordinator for Mercy for Animals, said Gordon's poultry suppliers treat their chickens as little more than sources of meat, abusing them and torturing them before they are cruelly slaughtered.
"From the day they're born until the day they're killed, their short lives are filled with violence and deprivation," she said. "The birds are electrocuted and having their throats sliced open and being scalded alive.
"We can all agree that no animal deserves to be tortured before reaching the dinner table," she said. "We're calling on Gordon Food Service to switch to more compassionate animal welfare practices and less cruel killing systems that reduce the suffering of chickens in their supply chain."
Gordon Food Service, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, issued a written statement saying: "Gordon Food Service believes in the humane treatment of animals.
"As a responsible foodservice distributor, we have always insisted that our suppliers adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, and meet industry standards within their respective product areas. We will continue to work with our suppliers to ensure they operate responsibly, just as we have for the last 118 years."
Haines and the other demonstrators said undercover videos shot from inside a North Carolina poultry farm that they said supplies Gordon Food Service show chickens being hung upside down by their feet as they travel along toward their slaughter.
"Consumers have a right to know where their food is coming from," Haines said. "Gordon Food Service lags behind many of its food industry competitors, like Walmart, Nestle, and Starbucks," whom she said have adopted more humane food policies. "We're asking them, Gordon Food Service, to switch to less cruel suppliers so they don't suffer so much."
That's why they are protesting at Gordon Food Service stores around the country, traveling from Evanston, Illinois, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Cleveland. Future stops include stores in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Toledo.
They are also encouraging people to sign an online petition at GoryFoodService.com, which has a link to the group's video.
On Wednesday, protestors stood silently along the sidewalk, holding up signs that said: "Gordon Food Service abuses birds" and "Gordon Food Service tortures chickens."
"Even though we may choose to eat animals, they should still be treated well," said Marsha Hopkins, from Chagrin Falls.
"Several years ago, I got a whole chicken, and when I defrosted it, you could see that its leg was horribly disjointed. That leg was so mangled, my heart just broke for what that animal went through," added Karen Maxa from Seven Hills.
Melissa Suarez of Cleveland said: "I've always felt strongly about animal rights. I've been a vegetarian for several years. Animals feel pain and fear, and we need to recognize that they're important, and not just something to use and consume."
Joshua Sias of Cleveland, a vegan for 10 years, said: "The abuse and torture of these sentient creatures is unimaginable and unnecessary. We're here to show [shoppers] the need for transparency in the food production industry, because every dollar that they pay goes to support this" treatment.
The woman in the chicken suit, whom the others referred to as "Abby the Abused Chicken," declined to comment, letting others speak on her behalf. "She represents the millions of chickens who are tortured to death by Gordon Food Service each year," Haines said.
"These animals gave their lives for us, and the very least we can do is treat them with dignity and respect while they're living," said Gail Moore of Valley View. "I oppose all forms of factory farming."
Mike and Deborah Lucas drove up from Akron to join the demonstration. "My wife and I have been vegan for five, five-and-a-half years. I think that animals should not be exploited, and we should at least have the dignity to treat them with respect before they end up on our plates."
Several passing motorists honked their horns and pumped their fists in support, while others took in the scene via their smartphones or craned their necks to read the posters. A few drivers jeered or muttered profanities, saying: "We love chicken!"
Brenda Wright paused in the middle of the sidewalk to consider the posters and offer a word of support. "I don't think it's right," she said, shaking her head at the image of a worker's hands clutching a chicken. "I really think that's disgusting, if that's what they're doing. Y'all are doing the right thing. I'm with you. I salute all of y'all."
But Kyle Schultz of Lakewood seemed indifferent. "We're going to eat the chicken anyway, so what's the difference?"
Mike Needham, a customer driving out of the store's parking lot, shrugged his shoulders when asked what he thought of the protest.
"Americans are meat-eaters, and we like chicken," he said. "I'm sorry for the chickens, but they have good products at Gordon Foods."