“Pardoned Turkey” Poll: Your Input Needed

By Jasmin

 

More than 10,000 of you signed our petition to the White House asking that this year's “pardoned” turkeys be sent to Farm Sanctuary instead of Disneyland (where these delicate animals are not given proper care). We’re happy to report that this story has been picked up by several mainstream media outlets and most of the coverage has been supportive of our efforts.

However, the Orange County Register published an article that includes factually inaccurate information. The article says that, “At Disneyland, most pardoned turkeys have lived for more than a year.”

Not true. While the public record is incomplete, information gathered from news reports shows that at least half of all turkeys sent to Disney have died within one year.

One thing the article does pin down with accuracy is that “Normally, turkeys raised for eating only live about 18 weeks.” The rescued turkeys at Farm Sanctuary, however, typically live comfortably and happily for four to seven years because of the expert care we are able to give them.

The article includes a poll for readers to fill out: “Should the pardoned turkeys live at Disneyland?” The possible answers include: “Yes, it’s the happiest place on earth;” “No, they should live at a shelter;” “Obama shouldn’t pardon turkeys;” and “Who cares where they live?”

At the moment, the results are not in our favor. So, please take a moment to vote (the poll is at the bottom of the article), and then post a comment saying that the true happiest place on earth for farm animals is Farm Sanctuary. Also read more about the truth behind turkey production.

Comments

[stephanie shaner]

please don't send to disneyland. farm sanctuary's specific purpose is to help animals, disneyland has nothing to do with animals except fictional ones. they need companionship with other animals and people. farm sanctuary gives a lot more care than anybody at disneyland can and their name says it all, farm sanctuary. disneyland has nothing to do with saving animal lives.

[Kim]

I'm not happy with the president on this call, either. I think he seemed to try and make some sort of link between pardoning the turkey, his girls and Disneyland. His girls are smart! I think they would have picked Farm Sanctuary had they understood the choice. I also wish the turkey had been a heritage turkey... would have been a good time to make a plug for them.

[Pam Iacone]

Please send the "pardoned" turkeyss to the Farm Sanctuary - it would be the happiest place on earth for them - I've been there and I've been to DisneyWorld -
Thank you for your consideration

[miso's mama]

It is awesome that these turkeys have been pardoned, but so sad they have to live in conditions that result in earlier death. The first step has been made to stop their slaughter for food, but there are still many steps left! Please, lets move these turkeys to a place when they are well kept and can live a happy and fulfilled life :) !!!

[Casey]

Hi Kim,

Thanks for your comment. Given the fact that virtually all turkeys that Americans eat are factory farm breeds, I think it is appropriate for national attention to be directed at these birds who are virtually designed for ill health. Pardoning a heritage breed turkey would only further enable the fantasy that farm animals today are anything like those that existed generations ago.

Of course, NO turkey of ANY breed should even have to be pardoned; no turkey of any breed has done anything to deserve a death sentence! At Farm Sanctuary, we believe that wild turkeys are the real heritage breeds, and they should be allowed to live for their own purposes, not exploited and killed for our use.