‘RIDICULOUS’ CHICKEN MEMORIAL
BIZARRE PLAN HATCHED FOR CRASH SITE
AN animal activist plan for a roadside memorial to the chickens killed in a Geelong truck crash on Monday has been slammed by Addy readers.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Australia have submitted a blueprint to VicRoads for a memorial at the Melbourne Rd overpass at Corio Quay Rd in North Geelong after 6000 seven-week-old birds were sent sprawling in the crash, which closed the road for more than 10 hours.
About 1500 birds were killed.
PETA Spokeswoman Emily Rice said the tribute aimed to encourage drivers to travel safely and think about the fate of all road users.
“The tribute 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’ and would remind all drivers, including those with animals on board, to travel safely,” she said.
“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.”
But Geelong Advertiser readers labelled the bid “ridiculous”.
“I hit a sparrow the other day on Colac Rd, maybe we should build a memorial there also,” wrote Michael on the Addy website.
On Facebook, more than 2000 people commented on the PETA bid. “Rubbish idea,” Graeme Harley said.
“So ridiculous! They were going to a slaughterhouse,” wrote Chloe Lazzarich.
“They should grow up, these people. Shameless attention seeking at its worst,” Marcus Fort said.
“Would they have built a memorial if the truck driver was killed ... doubt it,” Jeff Almond Sr wrote.
“I’m sure the chickens would be touched, if they could read,” Scott Meckiff said.
A southbound lane of Melbourne Rd at North Geelong was closed for much of yesterday to allow repairs to damaged railing and traffic barriers.
Police said the truck had been headed for Turi Foods’ Golden Farms slaughterhouse in Breakwater when it rolled.
Bystanders pulled the 49year-old Drysdale driver to safety before he was taken to Geelong hospital for observation.
A post on social media alleged that people associated with Golden Farms who had gone to the scene to assist had been showered with abuse and wild accusations.
Anyone who witnessed the truck prior to or during the collision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.