The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has placed a half-naked woman on a big plate on a Liverpool street. The giant plate, which includes peas, carrots, Brussels sprouts, gravy and utensils, is part of PETA’s push for a meatless Christmas in a campaign titled “Try to relate to who’s on your plate – go vegan.”
PETA made the display so the public would feel the pain and terror turkeys go through on Christmas as the animal is served on the dinner table. Its Go Vegan campaign seeks to encourage people not to purchase meat for the Christmas season in 2016, Mirror reported.
By excluding animals from their plates, people would extend the holiday spirit of peace and goodwill, Elisa Allen, PETA director said. She recommended that people instead buy mock meat where there is a large array available. “It’s easier than ever to enjoy a festive meal packed with all the flavour but none of the cruelty of meat,” Allen said.
Besides not eating meat, PETA is also asking people not to purchase pets – such as cats and dogs – for Christmas and give it as presents. The animal rights group pointed out that taking care of an animal requires a lifetime commitment. PETA added that compared to non-living gifts, which could be returned, exchanged or forgotten, animals should not be adopted on impulse.
“Caring for an animal is a 15-year (or more) commitment, and those who are given as gifts to unprepared recipients are often discarded once the novelty wears off,” PETA said in a statement.
PETA noted that its shelters are full with homeless animals. Many of these were family pets surrendered by the former owners when they lost interest in the animal. Jason Baker, PETA vice president of international campaigns, said, “People who aren't ready to adopt but want to share a little Christmas cheer with homeless animals this holiday season can donate dog and cat food, toys, bedding, or other items to their local animal shelter.”