Each year in the United States, an estimated 46 million turkeys are killed for the Thanksgiving “tradition.” The overwhelming majority of these turkeys are raised in dismal, factory-like conditions where they are packed wing-to-wing by the thousands inside cramped, stressful sheds. Many such farms are located in Sanpete County, Utah. Most turkeys only leave this miserable environment when they are stuffed into crates and transported to a slaughterhouse where they meet a terrifying and often painful death.
This year, 20 very lucky survivors will meet a different fate, when they are released by a farm in Sanpete County and handed over to animal advocates. These turkeys will then be taken to sanctuaries where they can live their lives in peace and just be turkeys. We hope that this collaboration can spark an ongoing relationship and dialogue with the agriculture community. Together, we can seek a better understanding, build a more compassionate food system, and continue saving lives. Learn more and join this event.
The day before this uplifting rescue, join UARC and our special guests for an educational experience where we can learn together and build a more compassionate Thanksgiving.
EVENT #1:
WHAT: “Operation Mayflower” – A Virtual Reality experience
WHERE: Salt Lake City Main Library, 4th floor room
WHEN: Sunday, November 24th from 2 pm – 4 pm
Put on a virtual reality headset and join a team of Direct Action Everywhere – DxE investigators in a desperate rescue mission from a massive turkey factory farm in Utah. This immersive technology, which was featured at the Sundance Film Festival and has been covered by The New York Times, will show you in breathtaking detail what it’s like to rescue an animal from the brink.
EVENT #2:
WHAT: Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner & Discussion Panel
WHERE: Wasatch Elementary School Cafeteria
WHEN: Sunday, November 24th from 6 pm – 8 pm
Enjoy an all-vegan Thanskgiving dinner, as you connect with like-minded compassionate activists and listen to a discussion panel featuring some of the leading animal advocates in Utah and beyond. The discussion will touch on issues relating to animal agriculture, animal advocacy, providing sanctuary for survivors, and how we can all work to build a more compassionate Thanksgiving and future.
Panelists:
Wayne Hsiung, former organizer with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), and co-defendant in two separate criminal prosecutions stemming from open rescues on Utah farms
Lauren Lockey, co-founder of Sage Mountain Sanctuary
Additional panelists TBA!
Moderated by Zoe Rosenberg founder of Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary and organizer with DxE.
THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT WITH LIMITED SPACE. Please purchase your ticket now to ensure your space is reserved. Your ticket includes both the dinner and the VR movie experience.
Cost:
$15 for current UARC members (become a member: http://www.uarc.io/join)
$20 for general public