PETA Buys Ad Space on Dying Man's Urn

KFC, Dog Breeders Condemned for All Eternity to Help Pay for Local Comedian's Cremation Expenses

For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2010

Contact:
Kristina Addington 757-622-7382

Eugene, Ore. -- When PETA learned that local comedian Aaron Jamison, who is terminally ill with cancer, was selling ad space on his cremation urn, the group jumped at the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help save animals and offset Jamison's cremation costs at the same time. PETA is paying $200 to reserve space for two ads on the urn. Taking an irreverent jab at KFC, one ad reads, "I've Kicked the Bucket--Have You? Boycott KFC." The second ad focuses on encouraging people to adopt homeless animals--a cause that is especially close to Jamison's heart--and reads, "People Who Buy Purebred Dogs Really Burn Me Up. Always Adopt."

"If all dogs go to heaven, Aaron Jamison is sure to be greeted by lots of tail wags and sloppy kisses," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "By raising awareness about the suffering of both homeless dogs and chickens who are killed for KFC restaurants, Aaron will continue to save lives long after he is gone."

PETA is encouraging people to boycott KFC in order to put pressure on the fast-food giant to implement basic animal welfare improvements, including requiring its suppliers to switch to a less cruel slaughter method that would eliminate some of the worst abuses that chickens endure. Chickens killed for KFC have their throats cut while they're still conscious, and many are scalded to death in defeathering tanks. PETA is also urging people to adopt dogs from animal shelters instead of purchasing purebreds. Buying a dog from a breeder or pet store not only contributes to the animal companion overpopulation crisis by subsidizing more breeding but also kills a homeless animal's chance at finding a loving home.
                                                  
For more information, please click here or visit PETA.org.