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Updated: PETA’s vegan billboard outside Red Deer steakhouse will not be moved

The billboard was put up on Sept. 28
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PETA placed a billboard outside Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual in north Red Deer celebrating a vegan campaign it launched ahead of Thanksgiving. (Photo by BYRON HACKETT/Advocate Staff)

Something has run “a fowl” outside a north Red Deer eatery.

Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual has an unusual subject looming over it. A large billboard with a picture of a turkey on it, proclaiming “I’m ME, Not MEAT,” is situated outside the back of the restaurant.

The billboard, just off the corner of Gaetz Avenue, is part of a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) ThanksVegan campaign, designed to give people the resources to celebrate Thanksgiving with a humane vegan feast.

PETA said Thursday the billboard was being moved by the ad company after a complaint from the landowner. But on the weekend, PETA said the sign would stay where it is.

“The sign will not be taken down or relocated,” said a spokeswoman for the group.

“Steakhouse owners may not want to face the facts, but when it comes to feeling pain and fear, loving their families, and valuing their own lives, turkeys are no different from human beings — and more and more people are recognizing that,” said PETA president Ingrid Newkirk.

“PETA hopes everyone will celebrate ThanksVegan this year with a delicious meal that keeps gentle birds off the table.”

The landowner could not be reached for comment.



Byron Hackett

About the Author: Byron Hackett

Byron has been the sports reporter at the advocate since December of 2016. He likes to spend his time in cold hockey arenas accompanied by luke warm, watered down coffee.
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