'Wicked Wendy's' Campaign History

In November 2000, PETA wrote to Wendy's urging the company to at least meet the animal welfare standards set by McDonald's. PETA followed up on this letter with nine phone calls, all of which went unreturned.

• PETA's letter to Wendy's

In June 2001, after winning its campaign against Burger King, PETA again attempted to communicate with Wendy's regarding its lack of animal welfare policies. Again, phone calls to the company went unreturned. On July 4, 2001, with the help of actor James Cromwell, PETA launched its "Wicked Wendy's" campaign with a demonstration in Vienna, Virginia.

• PETA's news release about its campaign launch

Between July and September 2001 (following the campaign launch), Wendy's began telling the media that it used the same standards adhered to by McDonald's and Burger King. Because this wasn't true, PETA wrote to the company numerous times regarding its deceptive statements. During this time, dozens of demonstrations occurred at Wendy's restaurants.

• Wendy's deceptive news release
• PETA's first letter to Wendy's asking for clarification regarding its media statements
• PETA's second letter to Wendy's regarding its media statements
• PETA's third letter to Wendy's, pointing out factual errors in its "Animal Welfare Program Fact Sheet"

In September 2001, after just two months of campaigning, PETA called off its "Wicked Wendy's" campaign when the company agreed to actually follow the animal welfare guidelines used by McDonald's and Burger King.