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Friday, January 29, 2010
iGroundhog? PETA wants Punxsutawney Phil replaced with a robot
Posted by Katie Machol on Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 10:38 AM
With Groundhog day just a few days away (Feb. 2), PETA has stepped in on behalf of Punxsutawney Phil, claiming that the furry guy isn't being treated so well by the throngs of noisy spectators that gather to see him every year.
The Animals in Entertainment specialist for PETA, Gemma Vaughan, wrote a letter to the festivity's organizers last week in Phil's defense, requesting that they start using an animatronic groundhog in his place.
Vaughan writes:
"To most people, Groundhog Day—celebrated annually on February 2—is a welcome midwinter diversion, but Punxsutawney Phil is forced to be on display year round at the local library and is denied the ability to prepare for and enter yearly hibernation. These normally shy animals—who are constantly on alert when they are out of their burrows—become stressed when they are exposed to large, screaming crowds; flashing lights from perhaps hundreds of cameras; and human handling."
As a final plea, Vaughan adds, "Tradition is no excuse for cruelty, and this opportunity would allow Punxsutawney to engage in a futuristic, interactive, versatile, and humane annual event."
In response, Bill Deeley, president of the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, said that Phil is "being treated better than the average child in Pennsylvania," and being kept in a climate-controlled environment which is inspected annually by the state Department of Agriculture. He also went on to say that he thinks PETA is simply using Phil to gain publicity.
Is it time for the real Phil to retire or is PETA just looking for press? Thoughts?
Top photo courtesy of bfeedme, bottom photo from Cheat Seeking Missiles.
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