When a tractor-trailer carrying turkeys overturned in southern Virginia earlier this year, animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wasted no time using the accident to promote its agenda.
The rig was carrying a full load of turkeys from the Circle S Ranch when the accident occurred. The truck ran off the road, struck a guard rail and overturned on its side in the median, reports the Martinsville Bulletin.
Following the crash, a few turkeys were seen sitting in the median, said Virginia State Police Trooper B.K. Scott, who was at the scene. He said he did not have an estimate of how many turkeys died, but he did not see that many.
Enter the animal rights activists. The Martinsville Bulletin further reported that Nicole Harris, executive director of the Martinsville-Henry County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was not called to the scene but drove there after hearing of the accident.
“There were a lot of feathers, and patrol cars in the area as well, so as not to add to the chaos, she drove by,” she said.
“It’s devastating,” Harris said.
Dan Paden, director of evidence analysis for PETA, weighed in, encouraging the Circle S Ranch to change its transportation route. Apparently realizing his statement condoned the consumption of turkeys, he added: “PETA encourages people to move away from eating animals toward vegetarian and vegan foods. Wrecks like this are one reason for that.”
