PETA is launching a protest at the upcoming Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest with a life-size transport truck depicting the horrors of the meat industry. The organization aims to encourage spectators to adopt a vegan lifestyle.
Two years ago, Joey Chestnut, the legendary hot dog eating champion, faced an interruption by a protester. Despite the disruption, he still managed to devour 63 hot dogs and buns at the iconic Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. This year, Chestnut will be absent, but animal rights activists will be present in full force.
PETA, the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, has announced plans to "bombard the competition's spectators" with a truck that will urge attendees to choose a vegan lifestyle. The truck, dubbed "Hell on Wheels," is described as a "life-size, hyperrealistic pig transport truck" featuring graphic images of pigs crammed into cages and en route to slaughterhouses.
PETA to Protest Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest with 'Hell on Wheels' Truck
"Behind every hot dog is a once-living, sensitive individual who was crammed onto a truck for a terrifying, miserable journey to their death," said Tracy Reiman, PETA's executive vice president, in a statement. "PETA's ‘Hell on Wheels’ truck is an appeal to anyone who eats pigs, cows, or other animals to remember that the meat industry is cruel to them and the only kind meal is a vegan one."
The truck will be parked outside the competition venue at 11 a.m. ET, an hour before the contest begins. PETA also criticized the "shameful" practice of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council and the use of live mascots for sports teams. Notably, the Cleveland Browns recently lost their bullmastiff mascot, Swagger Jr., at the young age of 5.
PETA to Protest Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest with 'Hell on Wheels' Truck
Chestnut's absence from this year's competition is a result of his partnership with a Nathan's rival. Major League Eating, the governing body for competitive eating, banned Chestnut from the contest unless he severed ties with the rival company. However, Chestnut refused, leading to his disqualification.
As a result, this year's competition will feature a new champion for the first time since 2015, and only the second time since 2007. Chestnut lost the competition in 2015 to Matt Stone.
PETA to Protest Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest with 'Hell on Wheels' Truck
PETA's protest is a reminder of the growing concerns about animal welfare and the ethical implications of consuming animal products. The organization's "Hell on Wheels" truck is a powerful visual representation of the suffering endured by animals in the food industry.
By appealing to the emotions of spectators, PETA hopes to raise awareness about the plight of animals and encourage individuals to embrace a compassionate, vegan lifestyle. The organization's presence at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of ethical considerations in our food choices.
