Animal rights activists to ‘shut down’ KFC drive-thrus

Animal charity The Humane League UK (THL UK) has set out plans to “shut down” KFC drive-thrus across the country this summer over claims the fast food chain has “abandoned” its commitment to improving animal welfare.

Last November, KFC took a step back from its pledge to stop using fast-growing breeds of chicken – dubbed ‘Frankenchickens’ – in the UK by 2026. It said at the time that the commitment was not achievable due to farmers not switching in big enough quantities to slower-growing breeds.

THL UK is now escalating its activism following "months of dialogue and peaceful protests", as it claims that KFC has continued to ignore its calls to publish a new timeline for its animal welfare commitments. 

The charity, which has not yet revealed which drive-thrus it will be targeting, said that members of the public sent 16,000 emails to the restaurant voicing their frustration over the fact that it will not meet its pledge to the Better Chicken Commitment. This is an animal welfare policy targeting suffering in chicken farming, including swapping Frankenchickens for healthier, slower-growing birds.

While KFC has said it will give its UK-raised birds more space by October 2025, THL UK has claimed this is only around 50% of its supply. 

"KFC is taking us for a ride. Six years ago this summer, they said they’d stop using Frankenchickens, yet have failed to act," said THL UK campaigns manager Claire Williams.

"These are birds whose explosive growth leads to muscle diseases and higher rates of blisters and burns over their bodies. With KFC taking no meaningful action to end the suffering of these chickens, we have no choice but to shut down drive-thrus and hit them where it hurts, exposing the shocking truth to KFC customers. Without a roadmap for change, these animals are stuck, trapped and tormented.” 

KFC has been contacted for comment.