Live turkeys used as targets - Take Heart - Christian Vegetarian Association

Live turkeys used as targets

A sportsmen's club in Pennsylvania is facing animal cruelty charges after Keith Mohler, after a local humane officer with the New York-based animal-protection group Farm Sanctuary, witnessed adults and youths shoot arrows at live turkeys tethered to hay bales.

While this news is gathering momentum worldwide, already appearing on CNN and in newspapers all over the world, Mark Giovengo, a board member of the 2,000-member Elstonville Sportsmen's Association, said "We have retained attorneys and we have every confidence we're going to win this." The Association has been charged with 4 counts of cruel, ill treatment and four counts of offering live animals as prizes in a contest, which is illegal in that state.

To read the full article please visit http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/200282

Sportsmanship, by definition, is an attitude that strives for fair play, courtesy toward teammates and opponents, ethical behavior and integrity, and grace in losing. This clearly has no resemblance to what these people, shooting alive turkeys, were engaging in. Philosopher Tom Regan says, “to participate in a sport in its true sense requires voluntary participation on the part of those who compete.” (Empty Cages, 2004)

To cause pain and suffering to turkeys, or any other of God’s animals, for the purpose of bringing pleasure to humans goes against Christ’s loving and compassionate teachings.