January 11, 2001
		PETA Sets its Sights the Big Whopper On Wednesday, PETA announced a boycott of fast food chain Burger King because of its unwillingness to adopt similar animal welfare measures undertaken by competitor McDonald's. As part of its efforts, PETA has unveiled a new website that refers to Burger King as "Murder King", educating the public about the deplorable conditions animals destined to become fast food live in. Among PETA's demands are that Burger King require suppliers to enlarge chicken cages and stop the practice of debeaking. PETA is also asking Burger King to require that suppliers stop the practice of forced molting, a common but horribly inhumane procedure of starving hens for up to two weeks to produce more eggs. In addition to this, PETA is asking for slaughterhouses to completely stun animals unconscious before cutting their throats. Burger King spokesman Rob Doughty declined to say when his company might make the changes PETA has enumerated. PETA has been quoted as saying that Burger King is stalling. "It's bizarre that Burger King is allowing McDonald's to be the industry leader on this issue,'' says spokesman Bruce Friedrich. ''It's also bad business.'' Industry insiders suggest that Burger King will have to give in to PETA's wishes as soon as possible. ''If consumers see pickets at Burger King on the 10 o'clock news, it's not going to be favorable,'' says Ron Paul, president of Technomic restaurant consultants. PETA's website