Proposals for pro-vegan display reading 'TOFU NEVER CAUSED A PANDEMIC' to be added to Blackpool Illuminations submitted to council

A generous donation to the Blackpool Illumination's fund has been promised to Blackpool Council by animal rights group PETA - as long as it agrees to install a lights display reading 'Tofu never caused a pandemic' on the Prom.
The lights display created by PETAThe lights display created by PETA
The lights display created by PETA

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have asked the council to install their eye-catching design, which features a jolly block of tofu wearing a Santa hat and holding a candy cane - in time for Christmas.

If the council agrees, the group has promised to donate to the Illuminations fund in time for the relaunch of the lights after lockdown.

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PETA senior campaigns manager Kate Werner said: "As many of us are adjusting to the prospect of socially distant Christmas celebrations, we should take time to reflect on how we got here. PETA's festive tofu is a lighthearted way to remind Blackpool visitors and residents that while the meat industry breeds killer pathogens like the novel coronavirus, tofu production is safe and healthy – and tofu is a great choice for Christmas dinner!"

PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that 'animals are not ours to eat' – noted that the Covid-19 outbreak, which began in Wuhan, China, is believed to have come from a 'wet market' where dead and live animals are sold for food.

They said: "Influenza viruses have originated in pigs and chickens – but never in versatile vegan foods like tofu."

A Blackpool Council spokesman said: "Any requests for inclusion in next year’s display will be considered as part of the planning process which will commence when this year’s display is switched off in January."

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