We, community members of West Linn, urge the Market of Choice supermarket chain to adopt the Better Chicken Commitment, a science-based chicken welfare policy that addresses issues related to housing, stocking density, slaughter, and breeding for fast growth and high-yield. To learn more about the policy, consult this resource: https://betterchickencommitment.com 

Every year in the U.S., nearly 9 billion broiler chickens are raised and killed for meat in large, industrialized facilities (factory farms). That is more than all other land animals combined, yet not a single federal law sets minimum standards of care to ensure adequate chicken welfare. Instead, industry is left to self-regulate. As a result, broiler chickens suffer throughout all stages of the production process.

For example, the industry uses selective breeding and a steady dose of growth-promoting drugs to ensure unnaturally large, fast-growing birds. A peer-reviewed academic study found that if humans grew at a similar rate, a 6.6 pound newborn baby would weigh 660 pounds after just 2 months. Unsurprisingly, skeletal deformities and torn ligaments are commonplace, and many birds die prematurely of ascites, a disease thought to be caused by the inability of birds' hearts and lugs to keep up with their rapid skeletal growth. 

We, community members of West Linn, are concerned about the welfare of broiler chickens raised for food and urge Market of Choice to join the growing list of food companies that have committed to meeting the standards of the Better Chicken Commitment, including Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Sprouts, and many more.

Thank you for your consideration. Any questions about this petition may be directed to Skye Walker at 503-807-6982 or skyewalker@lclark.edu.