New PETA Ad Shows Parents One Thanksgiving Image, Kids Quite Another

Lenticular Technology Allows Children to See Exactly Whom They’re Going to Dine On, and It’s Hardly Heartwarming

For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2013

Contact:
Allison Lakomski 202-483-7382

You could say that PETA’s new pro-vegan Thanksgiving ad is all in the eyes of the beholder. That’s because the ad, which the group plans to run in bus shelters in Milwaukee, shows a beaming mother carving a cooked turkey with her two children looking on. At least that’s what viewers 4 feet 3 inches and taller see. But thanks to lenticular technology, children shorter than that see the two kids in the ad spattered with blood and looking on in horror as the mother runs the knife through a “live” bird—her smile now a sinister glare. The ad reads, “Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner—From Your Family Butcher.” The subtext for the version for adults reads, “Time to Try Vegan. Get Recipes at PETA.org,” but children see, “Say No to Turkey.” PETA’s point? That devouring the carcass of a tormented bird who died in pain and terror is no way to express thanks.

“Kids love animals, and if they thought about how turkeys feel pain and fear, just as dogs and cats do, they’d trade in their drumsticks for a savory slice of vegan roast in a heartbeat,” says PETA Campaign Manager Katie Arth. “This Thanksgiving, families can give animals something to be thankful for, too, by sticking to humane, delicious vegan meals.”

More than 45 million turkeys are killed each year at Thanksgiving alone, usually at the young age of 5 or 6 months. The birds are genetically bred to grow as fast as possible, and they often become crippled under their own weight. Workers often cut off portions of their toes and upper beaks with hot blades without giving them any painkillers. During slaughter, many birds are scalded alive in a tank of boiling water.

Delicious, cruelty-free vegan recipes for your holiday feast can be found here.