PETA says it has plans to erect a billboard near the site of a recent livestock trailer wreck, using what could have easily been a tragedy for the father and grandson inside the truck as a way to advocate for their cause.
The accident happened on June 11th, on Interstate 69 outside of Muncie, Indiana at approximately 4:20 a.m.
According to The Star Press, Chester Smith was driving his big rig north on I-69 when a car pulled into the lane right in front of him. He swerved into the exit ramp to avoid hitting the car but the swerve caused the tractor trailer to tip over.
The wreck killed around 20 cows and critically injured some, forcing officials to euthanize some of the animals on the scene. Many cows were also trapped inside the wrecked trailer for several hours.
Neither Smith or his grandson in the sleeper berth were injured in the crash.
“This overturned truck killed nearly 20 gentle cows, and the ones who survived are most likely back on their way to the slaughterhouse,” said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman, reports USA Today.
“PETA’s billboard will let travelers know that the best way to prevent such tragedies is to keep animals off the road in the first place by going vegan,” Reiman continued.
“They can change their lifestyle so they’re not supporting this cruelty,” added PETA spokesman Amber Cavanan.
“It is unfortunate that animal rights activists have chosen to capitalize on the unfortunate accident involving a truck hauling cattle,” said the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association spokesperson Kate Spinello of the billboard and recent crash.
“Nobody is more upset that these animals had to be euthanized than the people who raise livestock and provide care for these animals,” Spinello said.
“Beef farmers and ranchers are aware of the sacrifice that beef animals make to provide us with high-quality protein… As such, animal care is at the heart of everything the beef community does,” Spinello added.
The billboard will be somewhere along I-69 near the Indiana State Road 332 exit in Delaware County and will read “I’m ME, Not MEAT. See the Individual. Go Vegan” and will feature a single cow.