PETA plans local protest, counter demonstration in the works

A group of local citizens are planning a counter demonstration to a planned PETA protest outside a local business Wednesday.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals plans to protest in front of Bay Meats Butcher Shop on Wednesday July 20 from noon to 1 p.m. to pass out information about factory farming and slaughterhouses; volunteers will be inside human-sized versions of meat packages.

However, a group called Thunder Bay Opposes PETA Coming to Demonstrate was created on Facebook and members are organizing their own counter movement.

“PETA, you are not wanted or needed here in Thunder Bay. We do not have factory farms, and we have a wonderful group of animal lovers who are working towards educating the general public on animal issues in a productive, tactful manner,” states the Facebook page.

On PETA’s event page, Mark Bour said while people have the right to protest what they believe in, he wonders why PETA is targeting a small local business like Bay Quality Meats and not a chain store that does use factory farmed meat.

“I think it is little unfair to target a single business owner. Particularly one that at least offers traditionally raised meats. Not just animals that have never seen sunlight. I realize that doesn’t really coincide with PETA’s mission statement but there (are) definitely better targets then this,” he said.

In response, Miki Kay said, “With all respect my friend, I believe that choosing the source of where the meat is chopped up is a good choice. I also believe a dead cow is a dead cow – be it seven or 700.”