Ocala’s newest chicken chain may be celebrating its grand opening Tuesday morning, but not everyone plans to bring balloons.
Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, better known as PETA, say they will be outside Raising Cane’s at 2410 SW College Road at 9 a.m., armed with yellow caution tape and sauce buckets filled with what they describe as fake “blood,” staging what they call a symbolic shutdown over the treatment of chickens in the meat industry.
The group says its demonstration is meant to confront customers with what it calls the reality behind chicken production. In a statement, PETA President Tracy Reiman urged consumers to reconsider eating chicken, arguing that purchasing it supports cruelty in factory farming and slaughterhouses.
According to PETA, chickens are social animals capable of forming bonds and experiencing fear and pain. The organization contends that in large-scale operations, birds are raised in crowded conditions and slaughtered by mechanized blades, sometimes while still conscious.
Interviews will be available on-site and remotely, organizers said. PETA is also promoting its free vegan starter kits for those interested in making dietary changes.
For Raising Cane’s, it’s opening day. For protesters, it’s opening arguments.
