PETA Statement: Turkey Pardon Is Fake News

For Immediate Release:
November 19, 2018

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

Washington – Below, please find a statement from PETA President Ingrid Newkirk regarding the annual presidential turkey pardon:

When no “pardoned” turkey has lived more than a few years, “sparing”  a physically distorted, genetically engineered, soon-to-be-lame bird who’s likely on the brink of heart failure is fake news. If the White House truly wanted to save a turkey’s life, there would be a Tofurky roast on the president’s table instead of a bird’s corpse. Humans who disregard the beauty, intelligence, and wonder of a turkey and see him or her as a centerpiece rather than a feeling individual, are the ones who should seek to be pardoned for their shortsightedness.

PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat.” More information is available here, and delicious vegan Thanksgiving recipes can be found here.

For Media: Contact PETA's
Media Response Team.

Contact

Get PETA Updates

Stay up to date on the latest vegan trends and get breaking animal rights news delivered straight to your inbox!

By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.

 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind