For Immediate Release:
January 6, 2005

Contact:
Dr. Alka Chandna 757-622-7382  

Norfolk, Va. — As winners are announced in PETA’s second annual "Proggy" (short for progress) Awards, two of the four recipients singled out for special recognition may raise some eyebrows. One is Dr. Temple Grandin, a consultant with the meat industry on the design of slaughterhouses. The other is Boca Foods, which is associated with tobacco giant Philip Morris. So why is PETA singing their praises? Because Proggys are presented to people and companies that exemplify animal-friendly progress:

Visionary of the Year: Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin is an Associate Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University who works with the livestock industry on slaughterhouse design. Dr. Grandin’s innovative improvements to animal-handling systems have helped to make animals’ final hours less frightening and painful. Following a recent PETA undercover investigation, Dr. Grandin’s expertise was instrumental in ending egregious abuses of animals at a large Iowa slaughterhouse.

Company of the Year: Boca Foods
Boca Foods proves that you don’t have to give up anything in the way of taste or texture to go vegetarian. From breakfast items to its flagship Boca Burger, mock chicken to pizza, Boca offers delicious heart-healthy, animal-friendly foods. Boca products can be found in the freezer sections of grocery stores across the country and can be enjoyed piping hot at Denny’s and Johnny Rockets.

Breakthrough Award: Toyota Prius
The recipient of the 2004 North American Car of the Year Award also happens to be one of the most animal-friendly automakers. Because the gasoline-electric hybrid holds special appeal for socially responsible consumers, Prius will never cost a cow an arm and a leg: Leather interiors are not an option!

Courage in Commerce Award: Abercrombie & Fitch
Trendy international fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch became the first company to pledge not to use wool from Australian sheep in any of its garments until Australian farmers stop mutilating lambs and exporting live sheep—thousands of whom die at sea every year.

"Proggy winners are driving forces in promoting a more humane lifestyle," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "Animal Rights has gone mainstream, and this is our way of thanking the pioneers who have helped make it happen."

All Proggy winners will receive a plaque and are currently featured on PETA’s award-winning Web site PETA.org.