Welcome to Tofurky, Texas? PETA Urges Mayor to Change City’s Name
For Immediate Release:
November 19, 2025
Contact:
Alex Payne 202-483-7382
Ahead of Thanksgiving, PETA sent a letter to Turkey Mayor Christy Yates this morning with a pro-turkey proposal: change the name of Turkey, Texas to Tofurky, Texas. The name change would celebrate the popular vegan roast’s 30th anniversary and honor the approximately 46 million turkeys who are killed every year for Thanksgiving alone, and if the mayor agrees to the tofuriffic switch—even for one day—PETA will provide an eye-catching Tofurky statue for the whole city to enjoy.
“Turkeys are affectionate, inquisitive beings who love their families and value their lives, and they don’t want to be killed for a fleeting meal any more than humans do,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA urges Mayor Yates to embrace this name change and inspire her residents to let turkeys live in peace this Thanksgiving and beyond.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. PETA also offers a free vegan starter kit on its website for anyone ready to make the switch. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Mayor Yates follows.
November 19, 2025
The Honorable Christy Yates
Mayor of Turkey
Dear Mayor Yates:
I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—PETA entities have more than 10.4 million members and supporters globally, including nearly 350,000 in Texas—with an idea that may sound familiar, but we feel THIS is the year to make it happen, as it marks the 30th anniversary of Tofurky Roast: Would you please change your town’s name to Tofurky, even for just a day? If so, we’d be delighted to commission a statue similar to the one below, which would be sure to attract tourists for years to come:
As you may know, tofu, the main ingredient in Tofurky, is a source of complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids the body needs to keep bones and muscles strong, and is rich in isoflavones, which are packed with antioxidants and have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. Tofu can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, protect your heart, and improve insulin resistance, making us feel soy amazing. By contrast, a single serving of turkey can contain up to 80 milligrams of cholesterol, which can clog arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
The manner in which turkeys are factory-farmed today is extremely cruel: 99.8% of the more than 210 million turkeys raised for food in the U.S. live in conditions of intensive confinement, crammed by the thousands into unsanitary sheds. These sensitive birds are bred to develop abnormally large upper bodies, causing them to suffer from painful leg deformities and exerting so much pressure on their hearts that they often collapse. Birds have a brain and feelings, yet those bred to be eaten are denied everything that is natural and pleasant to them. They end up in slaughterhouses, hung upside down by their legs, and their throats are slit, often while they’re still conscious.
By renaming Turkey as Tofurky, even for a day, you’d inspire residents to discover tasty new ways to eat. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your response.
Very truly yours,
Ingrid Newkirk
Founder
