A CHRISTMAS advert highlighting cruelty towards turkeys over the festive season is being screened at Bournemouth cinema.
The new Christmas ad by PETA, an animal rights organisation, follows the story of a jolly turkey who sings while learning about today’s festive customs.
Tessa the turkey marvels at traditions such as elf on the shelf before learning about the fate of turkeys.
She is then seized and taken to a slaughterhouse where she questions the ethics of consuming animals at Christmas time.
Made in collaboration with creative agency House 337, the advert aims to appeal to those celebrating Christmas to ‘kill the tradition, not the turkey’ by trying a festive vegan meal.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) focuses on ‘protecting the rights of all animals’ through education, research, legislation and protest campaigns.
Jane Horrocks, voice actor in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and Absolutely Fabulous, stars as Tessa and hopes to encourage others to explore vegan dishes.
“I’m proud to be giving a voice to Tessa, a curious little turkey who questions why millions of birds are killed for the Christmas table each year when so many other options exist,” said Jane.
“I hope the spot encourages kind souls everywhere to explore vegan dishes that offer some peace on Earth to animals this festive season.”
The advert will be showcased at Odeon in Bournemouth throughout the festive season.
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Elisa Allen, PETA vice president of programmes, said: “Turkeys are smart, social individuals who don’t want or deserve to be dinner, and there is a wealth of kind and tasty animal-friendly options available to choose from.
“Tradition doesn’t excuse cruelty, and PETA urges Bournemouth locals to spread festive cheer to all this Christmas by preparing and enjoying a vegan feast.”
The animal welfare organisation says the holiday custom is ‘misguided’ and that around nine million turkeys are killed for Christmas each year in the UK.
The advert can be found on PETA UK’s website along with guides to a ‘meatless Christmas roast’ and a ‘vegan starter kit’.
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