Bird-brained memorial plan
A PROPOSAL to erect a memorial for the feathered fatalities of a poultry truck crash has sparked debate in rural New South Wales.
Close to 6000 chickens were confirmed to be on board a B-Double truck that rolled on the Bruxner Highway at Goonellabah earlier this month.
The driver had escaped without serious injury and over 380 chickens were initially recovered alive, with a number breaking free from their containers.
In an unconventional response to the incident, PETA asked Roads and Maritime Services for permission to erect a tombstone memorial at the site.
It would feature an image of a chicken next to the words, “In Memory of the Chickens Who Suffered and Died at This Spot. Try Vegan”.
Spokeswoman for the group Emily Rice said it would remind all driver, including those with animals on board, to travel safely, while also “pointing out that we call all prevent animal suffering and death by going vegan”.
“We hope our memorial will prompt people not to eat animals or – at the very least – remind truck drivers to make
animals’ transport to slaughter as safe and comfortable as possible.”
In response, Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith spoke out against plans.
Cr Smith said it was “inappropriate” to honour the life of chickens “heading in that direction anyway” when speaking with the Seven Network’s Today Tonight
broadcast.
“Everyone is saddened by the accident and the loss of the chickens but I don’t think we want to get into a conversation about memorials for animals,” Cr Smith said.
Online drivers had a similar response to the request, many sharing a few humorous solutions.
“I’m picking up signs of fowl play from this PETA,” J Jack said.
“I can’t recall where I’ve hit all the kangaroos I ain’t gonna go and put up a white cross for everyone of them,” R Johns said.
The RMS policy on roadside tributes states a memorial must not become a hazard to other road users.
❝of In Memory
the Chickens Who Suffered and Died at This Spot. Try Vegan.