PETA 'Turkeys' to Give Away Tofurky Roasts to Promote a Meat-Free Holiday in Victoria

Group Wants to Give Turkeys Something to Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving 

For Immediate Release:
October 4, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Victoria, B.C. -- PETA "turkeys" will hand out free Tofurky roasts in downtown Victoria on Friday as part of PETA's campaign to promote a vegan Thanksgiving. The group, which hopes to reach people's hearts through their stomachs, is urging consumers to stay true to the holiday spirit this Thanksgiving by eating cruelty-free meals.

When:   Friday, October 5, 12 noon

Where:  Northeast corner of Douglas and Fort streets, Victoria

More than 300 million turkeys are killed in Canada and the U.S. every year—40 million for Thanksgiving dinners alone. In nature, turkeys are known to be protective and loving parents as well as fast runners who are able to use reason to outwit their pursuers. But most turkeys slated to be killed for food are crammed into windowless warehouses, where disease, smothering, and heart attacks are common. Turkeys are drugged and bred to grow so large so quickly that their legs are often unable to withstand the birds' weight. Countless birds slowly starve to death within inches of food after they become crippled and are unable to move.

"Thanksgiving is murder on turkeys," says PETA's Emily Lavender. "With fabulous faux fowl, you can celebrate without being cruel to animals."

For more information about PETA, please visit PETA.org.