In a heartfelt plea to Americans ahead of the Thanksgiving festivities, renowned actor Joaquin Phoenix has taken a stand against the traditional consumption of turkey, urging the nation to opt for a cruelty-free vegan alternative.
Known for his staunch vegan activism and commitment to animal welfare, Phoenix, who has followed a vegan lifestyle since the tender age of 3, voiced his concerns about the treatment of turkeys at Plainville Farms.
Covert footage revealed shocking instances of workers allegedly subjecting the birds to brutal beatings and stomping.
"They threw hens like they were basketballs," remarked the Oscar-winning actor, known for his roles in films such as "Napoleon," in a poignant Thanksgiving message for PETA. "After failing to break their necks, they left the birds to convulse and die in agony."
Joaquin Phoenix, a prominent figure in the animal rights movement, continued his plea by urging Americans to reconsider their holiday traditions. "If you celebrate Thanksgiving, stop paying someone to hurt animals for your Thanksgiving centerpiece," he emphasised.
"Choose a vegan roast so that everyone can have something to be thankful for this holiday season."
This latest initiative sees Phoenix once again joining forces with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an organization he has actively supported in the past.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it is estimated that approximately 46 million turkeys will be slaughtered in the United States, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Phoenix's plea adds a poignant touch to the ongoing conversation about the ethical implications of traditional holiday feasts and encourages a shift towards more compassionate choices.
