Four Wild Trips PETA Took To Protest And Take On Amarillo, Texas
It's no secret that Amarillo, Texas, and PETA aren't always on the same side of an argument. In fact, that would be putting it very lightly. PETA and Amarillo have been at odds several times in history. Here's a quick look at the times in recent history that PETA has protested in Amarillo.
PETA vs. Amarillo, Texas In 2024
Earlier this month, on April 18, PETA planned to meet up in Amarillo yet again. This time it was to protest animal agriculture, which means raising farm animals for those of us who don't feel a need to "fancy up" things to help us make a point. Why would they be in Amarillo to protest farm animals? The recent wildfires.
You can't make this stuff up.
PETA thought that the devastating wildfires that ruined lives would make a great backdrop to remind everyone that the real cause wasn't some powerlines, but according to them, it was a climate catastrophe fueled by animal agriculture farm animals. They call on people to "fight back" by going vegan. No offense, but fat chance in Amarillo, Texas. We're world-famous for two things, and one of those is an unnaturally big steak. I'm vegan, but I also know my audience.
Their big display was to be a globe that they set on fire. Can't fault them on showmanship.
PETA vs. Amarillo, Texas And A Wildlife Refuge In 2006
While I don't have a history of making many friends among the eco-conscious elite on PETA's roster, I do believe in giving credit where credit is due. We may not always agree, but PETA and I can both admit that true animal cruelty is evil and needs to be stopped for a litany of reasons.
In 2006 they took on a "wildlife refuge" in the area that wound up appearing to be a front for a guy who was engaged in the illegal trafficking of endangered species. Supposedly, the animals' conditions were terrible, they were neglected, and they were being bought and sold. I'm not a fan of people having exotic pets, like big cats. Things like tigers belong in the jungle, not the house next to me. The last thing I want is a fanged visitor with paws the size of my face waiting in my backyard when I take my dog outside first thing in the morning.
PETA vs. Amarillo, Texas (And The Rest Of The Country) In 2023
In 2023 PETA came to town on Route 66 in their "Hell On Wheels" truck. The truck was decorated to look like a truck hauling chickens to slaughter. They stopped off at the Potter County Courthouse to urge people to stop eating chicken. Apparently, they've never seen the line at the drive-thru of a Chick-fil-A in Amarillo.
This campaign wasn't aimed specifically at Amarillo. We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. They took that truck from one coast to the other. The goal was to make a stop in all of the lower 48.
PETA vs. Amarillo, Texas In 2022
Remember those two things I mentioned Amarillo was famous for? One of them is a dirt lot filled with half-buried Cadillacs. The other is a massive mutant steak notorious for being near-impossible to eat. PETA went after the latter.
PETA decided they would take on the Big Texan's 72 oz steak challenge. They got a billboard across from the restaurant and hoped it would inspire people to get a salad instead of jumping on the livestream. One has to wonder how well it worked considering the challenge still exists, and YouTube celebs keep showing up for some easy clout.
I'm sure this list barely scratches the surface of the number of times PETA has come to Yellow City looking for a fight to raise awareness. There will undoubtedly be more visits in the future. If you're conflicted over whether or not you should eat meat, PETA does have an interesting "empathy kit" to help you get into your feelings.
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