YAKIMA, Wash. – PETA‘s “Hell on Wheels” campaign made its mark in Yakima, parking a truck in front of local restaurants to protest the sale of pork. The truck displayed images of pigs and played audio of slaughterhouse squeals.
PETA’s campaign targeted several Yakima eateries, including Second Street Grill, the only restaurant named in their press release. Delana Barrett, assistant manager of demo campaigns with PETA, explained the campaign’s goal.
“We believe that everyone deserves to know that pigs and all other animals are intelligent and sensitive individuals that feel pain, suffering, joy and happiness just like we do,” she said.
Barrett emphasized the campaign’s intention to provoke thought and encourage change.
“If it’s considered extreme or upsetting like that, is validated because it is upsetting. And we’re out there on behalf of the pigs to remind everyone that they can help stop this needless suffering by going vegan today,” she said.
The realistic portrayal of pigs on the truck aimed to spotlight the ethical concerns PETA says surrounding the meat industry.
“We are breeding animals just to, you know, use resources, food, water, land. We’re breeding them just to kill them for food when that’s completely unnecessary. And the environment would balance out if we were no longer interfering,” Barrett says.
NonStop Local spoke with Second Street Grill owner Steve Pinza. Pinza chose not to appear on camera but expressed no issue with the protest. He acknowledged PETA’s right to protest peacefully but stated it would not influence their menu choices.
