The custom, called Kaporos, is a form of sacrifice performed before the Jewish Day of Atonement in which it is believed one's sins are symbolically transferred to the bird.
The Alliance to End Chickens as Kaporos is protesting the ritual, calling the treatment of the animals inhumane.
Some Orthodox Jews disagree with the protestors, and say that every effort is made to make sure the sacrifice does not hurt the chicken. They also claim the practice is a part of their religion and needs no explanation.
