Issue:
An exhibit titled "An acre of art" by Mark Knierim and Robert
Lawrence consists of two grey and white chickens confined to a small
cage nailed to a wall. The exhibit is scheduled to run until November
19th.
The birds have been observed exhibiting fear behavior on several
occasions, and there is nothing for them to do. The birds are being
degraded to museum specimens, as if they were inanimate objects or
dead, which they are not.
Chickens should have activities suited to their species, including
opportunities to forage, sunbathe, dustbathe (practice bodily
hygiene), and socialize naturally. Chickens actively walk, run, and
fly to perches. Denial of these natural activities constitutes
inhumane treatment.
Please urge Mr. Mauer and Ms. Grossman to cancel the remainder of
this exhibit featuring the live birds. The fact that these birds are
not being subjected to physical injury does not mean that they are
not being subjected to physical injury does not mean that they are
being treated humanely. The exhibit demeans the birds, which is
inhumane, and encourages visitors, including children, to view
chickens inappropriately and perhaps imitate the confinement and
vacuity imposed on them as "art."
Request a written reply.
United Poultry Concerns. October 14, 2000
United Poultry Concerns, Inc.
PO Box 150
Machipongo, VA 23405-0150
757-678-7875
FAX: 757-678-5070
www.upc-online.org
(Action Alert - Minneapolis Institute of Arts Confines Chickens)
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