First Memo, Detailing McDonald's Meeting

To: Bob Langert, McDonald's Corporation
From: Dr. Steven Jay Gross, for PETA
Date: December 30, 1998
Subject: Conversation of December 11, 1998

2 pages via fax: 630-623-7488

This memorandum addresses my understanding of the conversation among Bob Langert, Dr. Temple Granding, and me, on December 11, 1998.

Bob defined the goals of McDonald's as: 1) to improve animal care practices; and 2) to develop measurements of animal welfare. Bob mentioned that the current focus of improving animal care practices would begin at the slaughterhouses. Bob also noted that McDonald's has more influence over "broiler" chicken suppliers than over egg suppliers.

Temple clarified how she anticipated measurements might be used to further animal care practices. For example, she noted that the current practice of catching chickens leads to a high incidence of broken wings, legs, etc. She suggested that one can measure the incidence of such events and offer an incentive to workers during collection for having a low incidence of broken wings, legs, etc. She said that in Britain there are incentive plans in place that appear to be effective in reducing the incidence of trauma to chickens.

Another example is the measurement of the efficacy of stunning birds during slaughter. Effective stunning would be defined by chickens not regaining consciousness. This same type of program could be used for cattle and pigs.

We discussed the difference between Temple's categories one and two. It was agreed that if there was evidence that certain type of wire cages proved painful to the chickens that would be a category one event. Bob noted that McDonald's has long term relationships with their suppliers, and perceives the goal of improving animal care practices as a joint effort between McDonald's and their suppliers. At this time, Bob indicated that McDonald's is not ready to commit in writing to specific improvements in animal care that will be implemented in 1999.

Bob suggested that as plans became clearer, it would be likely that a written statement of animal care improvements would be available to the public. Bob noted that at our next conference call scheduled for early March, McDonald's might know what specific changes will be implemented for 1999. Steve mentioned that he found the book Prisoned Chickens, Poisoned Eggs by Karen Davis, Ph.D., useful in examining current animal care practices. Steve also mentioned that he has been in contact with Professor Ian Duncan, at Temple's suggestion. Steve suggested that McDonald's address other care issues that should fall into category one, such as air quality, cage size, number of birds per cage, genetic make-up of birds used in the industry (layers), etc.

Bob, I would like to clarify what PETA hopes will come about. First, we urge McDonald's to commit to specific changes that McDonald's suppliers will agree to institute in order to promote animal welfare and reduce the suffering of chickens. Specifically, 1) changes in collecting chickens for transport (Temple, can you please give me the references that demonstrate the effectiveness of the collection procedures that you noted are being used in specific English facilities?); and 2) stunning procedures that pretty much guarantee that animals will not regain consciousness (Temple, you may find Prisoned Chickens, Poisoned Eggs, pages 114-124 helpful).

We also look forward to progress vis-à-vis the following issues, which we believe are category one: air quality, number of chickens per cage, type of cages, and forced molting.

cc: Dr. Temple Grandin