Machipongo, VA - United Poultry Concerns is urging a company called Blue Square to cancel its plan to "race" twelve turkeys on December 12, 2002 at Greyhound Stadium in South London. UPC spoke today on the phone to Blue Square press officer Ed Pownall who said he would convey our objection to this "race" intended to be shown live on the internet at www.bluesq.com.

Blue Square's news release, "Christmas dinners on the run," shows a spirit of derision and cruel-heartedness towards the defenseless birds. Turkeys bred for the meat industry have dysfunctional bodies and painful skeletal disorders making it difficult for them to walk normally, let alone run. These sensitive birds can become easily frightened with so many strikes against them imposed by thoughtless people, of which this proposed "race" is a prime example.

Blue Square's news release says "feathers will fly." What does this mean exactly? It says, "anything could happen on the night" of the running. What do they mean? Is Blue Square counting on the birds having an accident and getting hurt? Do they plan to do something to the birds to get some "action shots" in order to hype this sordid event?

United Poultry Concerns respectfully requests that Blue Square take the twelve turkeys to a sanctuary and film the birds being gently received by compassionate people. We urge Blue Square not to suggest to the public that these birds should have to "perform" some abject stunt in order to be saved from a miserable slaughter. We have requested a response from Blue Square as to whether they will show compassion and civility to these birds who have done them no harm. Turkeys do not "race" unless prodded and inspired with fear. We are asking Blue Square to show kindness and mercy, and to teach kindness and mercy.

United Poultry Concerns is a nonprofit organization that promotes the compassionate and respectful treatment of domestic fowl. For more information visit www.UPC-online.org