Current Press Releases

Farm Sanctuary Releases Statement on Governor Sarah Palin’s Controversial Turkey Pardon

Farm Animal Protection Group Calls for Compassion, Asking the Public to Consider a Turkey-Free Thanksgiving

Watkins Glen, NY – November 21, 2008 – Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, today issued a statement in response to a recent interview with Alaska Governor Sarah Palin that depicted a turkey being slaughtered behind her.

“Farm Sanctuary has been rescuing turkeys for 23 years and we know them to be social, sensitive creatures worthy of respect and protection,” said Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary’s national shelter director. “The press has widely reported the scene unfolding behind Governor Palin as ‘disturbing’ and ‘grisly,’ yet more than 45 million turkeys suffer this very same fate for Thanksgiving every year. This interview should be an eye opener for the millions of Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving. If more people witnessed the cruelty of slaughter, we believe they would choose a compassionate alternative and celebrate a vegetarian Thanksgiving instead.”

Every year, Farm Sanctuary asks people to save a life for the holidays and celebrate a cruelty-free Thanksgiving through the Adopt-A-Turkey Project. Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has rescued more than 1,000 turkeys, educated millions of people about their plight and provided resources for a cruelty-free holiday. Anyone can sponsor turkeys residing at shelters in California and New York, and some even choose to adopt turkeys into their homes through the annual Turkey Express adoption event. More information, including vegetarian holiday recipes can be found at www.adoptaturkey.org.                                                                                 
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at http://www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.