PETA accuses KFC of false animal care statements

CHICAGO, April 9 (Reuters) - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said on Thursday it sent a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission alleging that the KFC restaurant chain makes false claims about its animal welfare practices regarding chickens used in its meals.

"KFC states that it takes animal welfare seriously, even though as carefully detailed in PETA's complaint, the chickens raised and killed for its buckets and boxes routinely suffer painful, crippling injuries and have their limbs broken. Many have their throats cut while they are still conscious," PETA said in a statement.

PETA is known for publicly criticizing meat companies and restaurant chains for animal welfare practices. Its representatives have spoken out at annual meetings of meat companies and initiated ad campaigns against KFC.

"While we haven't seen their claim, KFC stands behind our truthful and accurate statements regarding our industry leading Animal Welfare guidelines," KFC spokeswoman Laurie Schalow said in a statement.

PETA recently renewed a campaign against McDonald's Corp (MCD.N) that it put on hold in 2000. The group claimed that McDonald's has not forced suppliers to implement a more humane method for slaughtering chickens.

KFC, owned by Yum Brands Inc (YUM.N), appointed a animal welfare advisory board, but PETA's complaint alleges that five members of the board quit after KFC refused to implement its recommendations.

In the complaint, PETA seeks penalties against KFC and wants the company to "remove the misleading statements from its website, cease making misleading statements to the media, and disseminate corrective advertising." (Editing by David Gregorio)