Written by PETA
Holidays are supposed to be joyous times, but for animals, they are often the worst of times no matter what religion is celebrating the holiday. For example, during the Muslim holy days of Eid al-Adha, which took place last week, millions of animals, including camels, lambs, goats, and cows, had their throats cut in memory of Abraham's sacrifice of a sheep.
Camels typically have one of their front legs tied up and their rear legs roped together so they can hardly stand, and their mouths are often tied shut. Surrounded by a throng of onlookers, the terrified camels are held down with ropes while someone plunges a knife into their throat. Braying and thrashing in pain, the camels slowly bleed to death. Thankfully, some Muslims are questioning this practice.
If the way that animals are killed during Eid al-Adha disturbs us, what about the millions of turkeys who are slammed into shackles, dangled upside-down by their fragile legs, and killed when their throats are cut open while the birds are still conscious—just so that they can end up on someone's Thanksgiving table? Perhaps it's time to reevaluate all holiday "traditions" that cause animals to suffer and die. I suggest pondering it this Thursday over a plate of delicious, cruelty-free Tofurky.
Written by Lindsay Pollard-Post
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