KFC lied about gross chicken abuse/Mex catholics decimating sea turtles for 'meat free' lent

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Rense.com

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http://www.rense.com/general38/abuses.htm

 

KFC Sued - Allegedly Lied

About 'Grotesque Abuses'

7-8-3

 

LOS ANGELES (Sapa-AFP)-- A US animal rights group said yesterday it was

suing the KFC fast food chain for allegedly lying about the " cruel " way its

chickens are treated to sell the famous fried poultry snacks.

 

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said it would file suit

against the chain in Los Angeles because of its claims that allegedly

disguised the " grotesque abuses inflicted upon chickens by (KFC) suppliers " .

 

" The suppliers breed and drug animals so they grow six times as quickly as

they did 50 years ago. Their legs and hearts and lungs can't keep up and

they get so big that they collapse under their own weight, " PETA said.

 

The activists claim the chain was using false statements on its website to

mislead animal-friendly consumers into buying their food and are seeking an

injunction to halt the online claims.

 

The action is part of a six-month boycott by PETA of KFC Corp products aimed

at improving the way 750 million chickens are raised and slaughtered for the

company every year.

 

http://www.dailynews.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=184350

 

Catholic Practices Decimating

Sea Turtles In Mexico

A Black Week

By Pilar Franco TierramÈrica

7-8-3

http://www.rense.com/general38/deci.htm

The culinary traditions of Holy Week in predominantly Catholic Mexico are a

threat to the survival of this millennia-old species.

 

MEXICO CITY -- Consumption of sea turtle meat and eggs reaches alarming

levels during the Catholic Church calendar's Lenten season observed by the

faithful in Mexico, who are adherents to questionable culinary traditions,

say environmentalists.

 

The number of turtles killed each year to supply the black market in Mexico

and the United States reaches 35,000, poet Homero Aridjis, president of the

environmental International Group of 100, told TierramÈrica.

 

Sea turtles are categorized in two families: Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae,

and six genus: Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), black (Chelonia

agassizi), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys

coriacea), green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta).

 

Until 1960, sea turtle exploitation in Mexico, one of the world's richest

countries in terms of biodiversity, was limited to the Gulf of Mexico and

the Caribbean areas.

 

But the rise in demand for the turtle's meat and eggs, and the production of

luxury items made from its leather, shell and oil, contributed to pushing

the species into the endangered category.

 

The over-exploitation, especially of reproductive adults, the collection of

eggs in nesting areas, the loss or degradation of critical habitat, and

certain fishing practices are other major threats to the sea turtle's

survival.

 

For the second consecutive year, the Group of 100 and the U.S.-based Sea

Turtle Conservation Network of the Californias carried out a campaign that

included an appeal to Pope John Paul II to urge the Catholic faithful, in

Mexico and elsewhere, not to eat turtle meat during Holy Week.

 

Consumption of turtle meat reaches its peak during Lent, which is why " we

appeal to the ecological conscience of the Vatican, because the Church

hierarchy could contribute a great deal towards disseminating the notion of

respect for animal life, " said Aridjis.

 

" If the Vatican would officially clarify to the Catholics who observe the

period of abstinence (from consumption of beef, pork, poultry or lamb) that

turtle is not fish, it would help protect an endangered species, one of

extraordinary biological value, " the poet-environmentalist explained.

 

The campaign included announcements and public events in Mexico and in the

U.S. states of Texas and California, where the communities of Mexican origin

have taken their traditions -- including turtle meat, through smuggling,

says Aridjis.

 

The United States banned sea turtle hunting in 1973, and in Mexico a total

ban on the capture and sales of these animals or their byproducts went into

effect in 1990. But consumption of turtle meat and trade in its shell and

leather continue, said the activist.

 

Mexico is famous for its varied and sophisticated cuisine. The states of

Jalisco, Campeche, Michoac·n, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Baja California and

Chiapas -- each with its own culinary personality -- include among their

typical dishes turtle soup and other preparations of turtle meat.

 

Biologist Jorge TÈllez LÛpez, of the University of Guadalajara, says the

established turtle nesting areas in Mexico are vital for the survival of the

species and must be protected, as should the sea turtle migration routes

along the Pacific, Atlantic and Caribbean coasts.

 

Conservation groups, scientific and education institutions are working in

the field, taking the direct approach to protecting the sea turtle.

 

TÈllez LÛpez explained that temporary security fences are set up around

nesting areas. Unearthed eggs are reburied and incubated under strict

controls until the turtles hatch.

 

2003 TierramÈrica. Todos los Derechos Reservados

 

http://www.tierramerica.net/2003/0421/iacentos.shtml