Animal rights groups are engaging in increasingly bizarre publicity stunts in an attempt to win the hearts and minds of the public.
The hijinks generally fall far short of the goal and are usually just annoying or downright gross – like the recent PETA barbecue of a “dog” in a busy Australian town square.
The latest escapade was performed by a young activist who ran onto the football field during the first few minutes of the national College Championship game between Alabama and Clemson.
The 16-year old had enough time to unfurl her #RighttoRescue banner before being tackled and removed from the field by security.
The demonstration was part of an ongoing campaign against farms that the organization Direct Action Everywhere says practice cruel and inhumane methods in their poultry operations, reported The Mercury News.
Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) was the target of recent legal action by Whole Foods. In response to continued harassing of Whole Foods customers, the parent company was granted a restraining order against the animal rights group.
DxE has recently focused on the California poultry industry, protesting at Petaluma Poultry last September. The protest resulted in the arrest of 58 activists who were charged with felony conspiracy, felony burglary and misdemeanor trespass. Two employees of the farm were reported injured as a result of the DxE protest.
The animal activists claim they have the right to enter private property to rescue animals in distress, but farmers say the group is wrongly interpreting the law and interfering with their businesses.
In a statement regarding her protest, the young activist said she founded an animal sanctuary when she was 11 years old. She wants to educate people about how intelligent, loving and companionable chickens are.
“People treat them basically like garbage,” she said. “I want them to be just as respected and loved as cats and dogs.”
