‘Hell on Wheels’: PETA’s ‘Chicken Truck’ Is Urging People to Give a Cluck About Birds

To drive home the important message that chickens are not ours to use for food, PETA’s guerilla-marketing campaign, the “Hell on Wheels” chicken truck, will be cruising the country and making appearances near various food festivals, Chick-fil-A restaurants, and busy downtown areas.

The large truck is plastered with shocking images of chickens bound for slaughter, and it blares the sounds of chickens in distress as well as a subliminal message telling people to “go vegan.” This interactive, mobile installation is a protest on wheels, a call for people everywhere to give a cluck about chickens, arguably the most abused animals on the planet.

One child who stopped to look at the truck said that it was “really sad” and that the chickens “look enslaved, like they’re being mistreated.”

The “Hell on Wheels” chicken truck in Norfolk, Virginia.

At one point, the truck was stolen and gutted. But PETA remained unruffled. We raced to recover and repair it so we could continue driving home its message of compassion for millions of gentle birds.

Where Is the ‘Hell on Wheels’ Truck Heading Next?

Our truck will be taking a break for the remainder of this year, but we’ll be back in the new year! In the meantime, check out where our “Hell on Wheels” pig truck will be appearing for the holidays.

PETA’s Groundbreaking ‘Hell on Wheels’ Chicken Truck Serves Up Serious Food for Thought

Chickens are smart, social, sensitive individuals, yet they’re the most abused animals on the planet. They talk to their chicks while they’re still inside the shell and have unique calls to warn others of danger coming from the land or air. They comprehend cause-and-effect relationships and understand that objects still exist even after they’ve been hidden from view. They can experience love, joy, sadness, and pain. But from the moment they hatch, billions of chickens raised for food each year suffer enormously—all just for a fleeting taste of flesh.

Chickens are slammed into small crates and trucked to slaughterhouses through all weather extremes. Hundreds of millions sustain broken wings and legs from rough handling, and millions die from the stress of the journey. At slaughterhouses, their legs are forced into shackles, their throats are cut, and they’re immersed in scalding-hot water to remove their feathers. Almost all chickens are still conscious when their throats are cut, and many are literally scalded to death in feather-removal tanks after missing the throat cutter.

The truck is packed with free leaflets that are full of information about going vegan: the single best thing you can do for chickens, other animals, and the environment. The truck also sports a QR code that people can scan with their phone to learn more.

Here’s What You Can Do for Chickens Used for Food

Animals are unique individuals with their own wants and needs. The notion that humans are entitled to exploit them is rooted in speciesism, the misguided belief that one species is more important than another. When we see all animals as deserving of respect, we understand that we must change our personal choices in order to stop contributing to their suffering.

Going vegan not only spares chickens and other animals immense suffering but also is a great thing to do for the environment and your own health.

Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to go vegan. PETA will even help you do it.

We’ve got great recipe ideas and tips about vegan options at restaurants that will help you bring compassion to your plate.

Browse Hundreds of Free Vegan Chicken Recipes