Chickens on Motorcycles in Asia

This topic can be approached from two avenues of thought. The first an intellectual jaaunt into an important world discussion. It is based on a problem that has plagued the globe and forced constant action to be taken by the western world. I am of course speaking of the ever growing problem of people in Asia tying live chickens to motorcycles. This atrocity seems to stab the heart of any honest human being. How cruel it is to keep these chickens tied to a motorcycle. I know what you thinking, wouldn't it be fun, just like Texans free flowing in the back of a truck. The answer is no, and the world press has expressed its concern.

From http://www.learnnc.org/lp/multimedia/1818

Over a dozen live chickens and ducks are tied to a motorcycle in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. Small livestock raised on nearby farms are delivered to market this way so that customers can buy them alive. The buyers can choose the healthiest birds, keep the animals alive until they are needed for food, and be assured of purchasing “fresh meat.” These kinds of livestock transport and storage methods are practical in Southeast Asia where refrigeration is not readily available. The ducks and chickens, however, appear less than comfortable as they are tied in every direction across the top of the motorcycle.

From http://english.vietnamnet.vn/social/2007/07/713683/

Local people who are hired to transport chickens assemble the poultry in Bai Gianh area near Huu Nghi (Friendship) bordergate, from which they are then hauled to Lang Son city. Previously, the transport of imported poultry took place all day and night. Bicycles and motorcycles carrying chickens could be seen moving on National Highway 1A without being stopped by the law enforcement agency. Lorries were even hired to carry the chickens to Lang Son City’s Hoang Dong area and Deo Giang Van Vi road. From Lang Son province, the chickens were again split up and sent to other areas.It was 3am. We saw the chickens transported to Po Mo bus station near the Lang Son cement plant. From there, they were carried to Bac Giang province and then once again divided between other localities by motorcycle drivers. By the light of our flashlight, dirty chickens packed in bamboo cages looked exhausted. We followed a motorcycle carrying them without any trouble on the way to Thuong Tin district, Ha Tay province, about 30km away from Hanoi.

Oh the horror!!! Dirty chickens packed in bamboo cages looked exhausted. At least give them a shower and don't make them do so muchexercise. You need them healthy and clean so you can make a delicious Cơm gàrau thơm dish for the family. We, or at least someone reading this, needs to lobby Washington to end this high speed chicken suffering. We can not stand for this epidemic of chickens on motorcycles. Oh and if you were wondering what the second avenue of thought to approach this topic from is. It is the research of what you will find when you enter chickens riding motorcycles into Google. The outcome is not as upbeat and exciting as the search parameters.