'Don't Gamble on Your Health--Go Vegan!' Say Lettuce Ladies

For Immediate Release:
November 19, 2009

Contact:
Shakira Croce 757-622-7382

Hartford, Conn. -- This morning, PETA sent a letter to Foxwoods Resort Casino's director of public affairs, William L. Satti, offering to buy advertising space on the casino's slot machines in order to tout the benefits of abandoning a losing meat- and dairy-based diet and bellying up to the vege-table. The organization is also offering to send "Lettuce Ladies"--women dressed in bikinis made of strategically placed lettuce leaves--to the casino to hand out free vegan snacks so that everyone can be a winner. PETA's request follows news reports stating that the casino will likely have to default on its debts.

"Our ads promoting a winning vegan diet would help pay some of the casino's debts while at the same time encouraging gamblers to improve their health, so that they can stick around to play the slots for years to come," said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman.

In the letter, PETA points out that meat consumption has been linked to the nation's top killer diseases--heart disease and cancer--as well as to diabetes and obesity. Meat production also causes immense animal suffering and is the leading source of greenhouse-gas emissions.

For more information, please visit PETA.org or click here to view the ad.

PETA's letter to Foxwoods Resort Casino's director of public affairs, William L. Satti, follows.

November 19, 2009

William L. Satti
Director of Public Affairs
Foxwoods Resort Casino

Dear Mr. Satti:

On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our tens of thousands of members and supporters in New England, I am writing in response to news reports that Foxwoods will soon be forced to default on debt payments. We have a proposition that would be a royal flush for Foxwoods by providing you with some much-needed funds while promoting healthier eating. We have designed an eye-catching ad (attached) that reads, "Don't Gamble on Your Health--Go Vegan! PETA," and we'd be willing to pay to place it on your slot machines.

Meat, dairy products, and eggs are loaded with artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fat and contain no fiber whatsoever. As the American Dietetic Association points out, vegetarians are less prone to heart disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes, and obesity than are meat-eaters. In addition to making people fat and unhealthy, meat consumption devastates the environment and causes enormous animal suffering. Chickens, fish, cows, and pigs feel pain and fear just as much as do the animals we share our homes with, yet they are abused in ways that would be illegal if dogs and cats were the victims. Many chickens and turkeys have their throats cut while they are still conscious, piglets have their tails and testicles cut off, and cows are dehorned--all without any painkillers. Fish also suffocate or are cut open while they are still alive on the decks of fishing boats.

Our ad would be a safe bet to help put Foxwoods back in the black. We hope you will consider placing our ad on your slot machines, and we'll even send our lovely Lettuce Ladies to unveil the ads and pass out delicious vegan snacks to your patrons. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss this exciting opportunity for Foxwoods. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Tracy Reiman
Executive Vice President