‘Naked’ protesters draw attention on Big Beaver

By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer

TROY — Several members of an animal rights group created a stir in front of the Troy Marriott on Big Beaver Road April 30, touting their message while appearing to wear nothing but a sandwich board.

Two female members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claimed to be wearing nothing more than a white banner that read “The Naked Truth: KFC Tortures Chickens” and “Turn your Back on KFC Cruelty.”

PETA representative Nicole Matthews said the women, along with a handful of others, all local, were there to boycott the Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise Association meeting being held at the hotel. The group handed out leaflets and DVDs to passersby.

“We had about eight people, and it did attract a lot of attention,” Matthews said.

Troy Police Lt. Gerry Scherlinck said police were called to the scene on the report of naked women, but the report turned out to be false.

“They just had skin-tone tube-tops and shorts underneath, so it looked like they were (naked),” he said.

“They were following all the rules and were only out there about an hour because of a torrential downpour.”        

Matthews said police were friendly and no citations or warnings were issued. No one from the KFC convention approached the protesters.

“They basically just reminded us to be aware and stay on the sidewalk,” she said.

Matthews said the group is against what it calls torture and cruelty in the treatment of chickens in animal factories and slaughterhouses used by the restaurant group.  KFC says it monitors its suppliers on an ongoing basis to determine if humane methods are being used to care for and handle the chickens.

You can reach Robin Ruehlen at rruehlen@candgnews.com or (586) 279-1105.