"Would You Serve Your Dog for Christmas?" PETA billboard challenges Glasgow’s festive traditions

The Glasgow billboard

A thought-provoking billboard has appeared in Glasgow, questioning the ethics of Christmas dinner traditions. The campaign, launched by PETA, challenges people to rethink their holiday meals by comparing turkeys to dogs, encouraging passersby to choose compassion by opting for a vegan Christmas feast.

The billboard, located near popular eateries serving turkey, poses a striking question: “If you wouldn’t eat your dog, why eat a turkey?” It aims to highlight the emotional and social similarities between the two animals, reminding viewers that turkeys, like dogs, experience joy, pain, and love.

Elisa Allen, Vice President of Programmes at PETA, explains: “Turkeys are smart, social birds who don’t want to be trussed and stuffed any more than we do. PETA urges the people of Glasgow to bring comfort and joy to all species this year by leaving animals off their plates.”

The campaign sheds light on the harsh realities faced by turkeys raised for food. In the UK alone, 9 million turkeys are slaughtered annually for Christmas. These birds, often only 12 to 26 weeks old, endure harrowing conditions, including being hung upside down, dragged through electrified baths, and scalded alive in de-feathering tanks.

In contrast, turkeys in the wild live rich lives, spending their days foraging, caring for their young, and roosting high in trees. They can live up to 10 years when free from exploitation.

The billboard is part of a larger campaign, with ads also displayed at Cineworld, Vue, and Odeon cinemas across Glasgow during the festive season. PETA’s initiative aims to spark conversations about speciesism – the belief that humans are superior to other animals – and promote ethical, cruelty-free dining options.

For those inspired to embrace a plant-based Christmas, PETA offers free resources, including holiday recipes and guides to the best vegan roasts. From savoury dishes to festive desserts, the organisation provides all the tools needed for a compassionate holiday celebration.

PETA’s Glasgow billboard serves as a powerful reminder to consider the lives behind traditional holiday meals. By choosing vegan options, Glaswegians can embody the spirit of kindness and compassion this Christmas season.

For more information and resources, visit PETA.org.uk or follow the organisation on social media.