PETA's 'Turkey' Gives Away Tofurky Roasts in Ottawa to Promote a Meat-Free Holiday

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

For Immediate Release:
October 5, 2011

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382 

Ottawa -- PETA's "turkey" will hand out free Tofurky roasts in downtown Ottawa on Thursday as part of PETA's campaign to promote a vegetarian Thanksgiving. The group hopes to reach people's hearts through their stomachs and is urging consumers to stay true to the holiday spirit this Thanksgiving by giving turkeys something to be thankful for.

When:   Thursday, October 6, 12 noon

Where:  Intersection of Bank and Albert streets, Ottawa

More than 300 million turkeys are killed in the U.S. and Canada 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 causing suffering—and give a bird something to be thankful for."

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