Growing up in Boise, I used to love going to McDonalds to get a Happy Meal. The gift, the playground and the funny clown imparted a sense of fun and innocence. I imagined sharing this experience with my own child one day.

Now that I am a mom, I know how important it is to model compassion and empathy, because my son is watching, and copying, everything I do. That is why I won’t be taking him to McDonalds. As it turns out, a McDonalds’ Happy Meal is anything but happy.

The chickens in McDonalds’ supply chain live miserable lives. They are genetically bred to grow to grotesque sizes at extremely rapid rates, resulting in crippled limbs, heart and respiratory problems and more. They live in cramped, barren warehouses, not seeing the light of day until they’re taken to slaughter, with no room to move or express their natural behaviors. Many are covered in ammonia burns from living in their own waste.

Countless corporations, like Burger King, Jack In The Box, and Starbucks, have recognized that this cruelty is unacceptable and have committed to meaningful reforms in their welfare policies. McDonalds, however, continues to support abusive treatment of animals.

As parents and consumers it is imperative that we stand up for our beliefs and set an example for future generations. Treating others with respect and taking a stand against cruelty is something I want to impart to my son, which is why I am boycotting McDonalds.

Please sign my petition to get local McDonalds franchise owner Richard Darmody to make the compassionate choice and demand better welfare policies from McDonalds.