Launched by United Poultry Concerns in 2005, International Respect for Chickens Day celebrates chickens throughout the world and protests the suffering of chickens in farming, cock-fighting, experimental research, hatching projects and other activities that mistreat chickens.

"We urge everyone to do a compassionate action for chickens, on or around May 4," said Karen Davis, president of United Poultry Concerns, an organisation that promotes compassionate treatment of domestic fowl.

"We invite people to hold an office party or a classroom celebration, leaflet on a busy street corner, write a letter to the editor, do a radio call-in, table at their local church, shopping mall or community festival," Ms Davis explained. "A library display, a delicious vegan open house, an informative blog post, or simply talking to family and friends about the plight – and delight – of chickens and how people can help them are great ways to help chickens."

To celebrate International Respect for Chickens Day in the Nation's Capital, Washington DC, United Poultry Concerns is running 100 king-size bus posters and will leaflet and talk with visitors at the White House on 4 May from noon to 3pm about 'What Wings are For'.

"Happy chickens are cheerful birds," said Ms Davis, who maintains a sanctuary for chickens on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. "Chickens love the earth and the sun, yet the majority of chickens are sitting in filthy dark buildings on crippled legs breathing polluted air. At the slaughter plant, chickens are riddled with paralytic electric shocks while fully conscious as described in my book, 'Prisoned Chickens, Poisoned Eggs'. After they are dead, salmonella-infected chickens are soaked in toxic chemicals. Misery is not a health food – for anyone!" added Ms Davis.

The entire month of May is International Respect for Chickens Month.