Recently a fraternity holiday party at Kansas University turned disastrous for one turkey who was "rented" for the event.
Tragically, during the party the combination of too much liquor, underage drinking, no adult supervision, and bravado turned deadly for this turkey who was on display in a cage.
The boys kicked in the cage causing the turkey to run terrified into the mob, members of which then decided to torture her or him.
Her limbs were broken as the sadism continued.
The band stopped playing and several members attempted to rescue the turkey, but the mob killed the turkey before they could intervene.
So they called the police.
The bad news is that this happened at all; that human beings do such things.
The good news is that the University, the Interfraternity Council, the District Attorney, and the main office of the fraternity itself have publicly declared this to be unacceptable behavior.
This is punishable as a felony in the state of Kansas, and the display of the turkey is illegal in Lawrence, KS. The police have promised to investigate.
Karen Davis of United Poultry Concerns and Animal Outreach of Kansas both sent out mass emails, and the letters, emails, and calls are flooding into the authorities. Also, the newspaper printed my letter to the editor.
www2.ljworld.com/news/2012/dec/27/letter-turkey-abuse/?letters_to_editor
A decade or so ago, such behavior might never have been made public, much less have the possibility of prosecution. Compassion for animals is increasing.
In honor of this one turkey, let us give thanks for all the people who are being proactive in seeking justice for her violent death.
In honor of the millions of turkeys who are tortured, killed, and eaten every single day, let us give thanks for all those people with caring hearts who refuse to eat them and strive to protect them.
May our prayers and our actions never cease as we visualize and work toward a world in which all beings are safe from cruel human hands, and all humanity finally comes to understand, love, and live in harmony with all living beings.
With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy; and Will, Madeleine, and the Circle of Compassion team
