Marianne White , Canwest News Service
Published: Tuesday, August 19, 2008
QUEBEC - The Thetford Chicken Massacre is not as well-known as the
Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but the controversial Quebec tradition in
which participants place bets while decapitated chickens run around is
coming to an end.
Organizers of the annual activity in the eastern Quebec town of
Thetford Mines defended the pastime but caved in to pressure Tuesday
and cancelled the event, which was deemed "barbaric" by animal rights
groups.
The little-known event has been taking place for several years on
Labour Day when about a hundred people gather to watch decapitated
chickens and turkeys flop around on a grid painted on the ground.
Participants bet in advance on which of the grid's squares the body
will come to rest after the head is cut off. Driven by nerve impulses,
poultry often run around frenziedly for several minutes after
decapitation.
Protests arose after participants posted on the Internet a video of
people laughing while decapitated chickens hopped around, as well as
photos of past events on Facebook. The web pages were shut down Tuesday.
The U.S.-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called the activity "redneck" and "gratuitously cruel."
"You don't torture animals just to have fun," said Kristin
DeJournett, spokeswoman for PETA. She said she was especially shocked
to see spectators betting on the imminent death of animals.
"They are profiting off the exploitation and possible suffering of these animals," DeJournett charged.
She said the activity could violate section 446 of the Canadian
Criminal Code, dealing with animal cruelty. But the Quebec provincial
police said Tuesday no one has lodged a complaint.
Dr. Gaston Dorval, who hosts the party for his sons at his cottage
every year, was adamant they are not torturing the poultry. He said the
heads of the animals are clearly severed and that it is the fastest way
to kill them.