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They lined up, two metres apart in silent protest. Described as 'a group of concerned Kelowna residents', the group of activists have begun a campaign aimed at shutting down a local turkey producer just in time for Thanksgiving.
"Turkey farms are huge air and water polluters," contends protest organizer Amy Soranno.
"Studies have shown that violent crime rates almost always skyrocket whenever slaughterhouses open. And the largest COVID-19 outbreaks in Canada have been at slaughterhouses."
'Shutdown Patton' read the placards in the hands of the activists.
The wording is offensive to Carol Patton who spoke for the family business while the protest was underway.
"Really? You want to destroy our business," said Patton. "It's offensive," she added.
Patton said she's proud of her family business. "This is part of farming," she continued.
"You raise animals and protect them and keep them safe. But ultimately, you eat them. That's the purpose of their life is for food."
"We want all turkey production to be transitioned to a plant-based food system for our community," explained Soranno when confronted by Patton. "That's better for all of us."
Today's protest begins what the group of activists is calling a 'campaign', suggesting that this event will not be the last.
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