'Pigs' Join Campaign Trail With National Health Message: Tax Meat!

Pork Purveyors, Lamb Lobbyists, and Poultry Pushers Are Destroying America's Health—and Wealth

For Immediate Release:
September 4, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382 

Charlotte, N.C. -- Decked out in pig costumes and riding in a convertible, PETA members will appear at the Democratic National Convention to educate all comers about the need for a federal excise tax on meat. The PETA porkers' point? That eating meat can increase a person's risk of developing cancer and heart disease—thereby driving health-care costs through the roof. PETA says that meat should be taxed at 10 cents per pound to offset its staggering costs, just as alcohol, tobacco, gasoline, and other items are subject to a "sin" tax.

PETA's pigs will appear at events during the Democratic National Convention.

When:   September 4–6, 2012

Where:  Democratic National Convention, Charlotte, North Carolina

In addition to killing animals and people with its unhealthy and cruel products, the meat industry is killing American pocketbooks. The federal government has a long history of giving away massive subsidies for livestock feed. Also, recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture bought $40 million of chicken products to try to reduce a surplus. Surely, Democrats will agree—it's time to "cut the pork!" In addition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics determined that vegetarians have lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity than meat-eaters do.

"The health problems caused by eating meat—not to mention the subsidies that the meat industry receives—take a huge bite out of the U.S. budget," says PETA Vice President Dan Mathews. "Slapping a long-overdue tax on meat would save countless lives—including those of animals."

Please note that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the abuse of animals and promoting a healthy vegan diet. We take no position in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate for public office.

For more information, please visit TaxMeat.com.