Over the past few months, volunteers in Auckland, Hamilton, Porirua, Wellington and Christchurch have been staging peaceful protests outside Nando’s stores. Their goal is to raise awareness of the company’s treatment of chickens and demand better.
Across the country Animals Aotearoa supporters have felt motivated to host and attend these protests, with some specifically getting in touch to organise one in their neighbourhood. We can’t say that we’re surprised given that most New Zealanders care about the welfare of farmed animals and expect companies to do the same. Nando’s claims they care about chicken welfare but, in reality, their standards in New Zealand are much lower than what they accept for stores in the UK and Ireland.
Understandably, Kiwis are sick of the double-standard. In fact, over 9,000 caring Kiwis have signed a petition demanding that Nando’s NZ signs up to higher animal welfare standards in New Zealand. These protestors represent just a small number of a much larger group of people, who are deeply concerned about the welfare of chickens in the fast food industry and know Nando’s has a responsibility to improve the way these birds are treated.
From overcrowded conditions to the use of unnatural chicken breeds that struggle to walk, these volunteers are handing out leaflets that explain all the key issues facing chickens bred for meat.
You can download your own copy of the leaflet here.
Looking ahead, we will be hosting more in person and online events so make sure you sign up to volunteer.
The message of this campaign is clear: Nando’s needs to sign the Better Chicken Commitment, which is a set of science-based standards designed to improve the welfare of chickens raised for meat. The commitment includes requirements for better living conditions and the use of more naturally growing chicken breeds. Learn more about chickens bred for meat here.
Thanks to all who have been involved so far! We know this is having an impact on Nando’s.
And with the support of new volunteers and continued support from existing ones, we are confident that Nando’s will bring about the changes needed. Will you join us?
