Delray Man Receives PETA Award for Work to Leave Down out of Big Pillow Fight

Event Organizer Sides With Ducks and Geese Following Letter Explaining How Birds Suffer as They’re Violently Plucked Alive

For Immediate Release:
April 11, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

After hearing from PETA that ducks and geese used for down are restrained while fistfuls of feathers are yanked from their bodies and that many are left to bleed from gaping wounds, Brian Kramer, the organizer for the April 5 International Pillow Fight Day event in Delray Beach, asked participants not to use down-filled pillows. For trying to save birds from hideous suffering, Kramer will receive a Compassionate Community Organizer Award from PETA.

“With all the warm and cozy animal-free options available, there’s no excuse for mutilating geese and ducks just to stuff a pillow,” says PETA Campaign Manager Katie Arth. “Brian has shown how making small changes in our personal lives can help put an end to violence against animals.”

Birds used for down—the soft layer of feathers closest to a bird’s skin that fills many pillows and comforters—often have feathers violently pulled out of their follicles while they’re still alive. This results in bloody wounds that workers sew together using a needle and thread without providing the animals with any pain relief. In its letter to Kramer, PETA included a link to this video exposé of the down industry, narrated by actor and longtime PETA pal Alicia Silverstone.

Kramer will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan chocolates.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.