PETA UK has released a provocative Christmas television advert designed to spark conversation about festive eating habits. The 60-second ad shows a family enjoying a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey and ham, but the scene quickly turns gruesome as blood splatters across their faces. The diners remain oblivious, continuing to laugh and eat as the table becomes increasingly covered in blood.
The advert ends with the message that 'more than 180 million animals are slaughtered in the UK each festive season'. The campaign, which will run in cinemas throughout December, aims to make viewers consider what is on their Christmas plate. PETA confirmed that all food featured in the video was vegan to demonstrate that animal-friendly alternatives exist.
Elisa Allen, PETA's vice president of programmes, said in a statement: 'Behind every trussed-up turkey, holiday ham, or beef wellington was an individual who felt pain and fear and didn't want to die. PETA urges everyone to choose compassion over carnage this Christmas by tucking into a savoury vegan roast.'
The ad contrasts with the heartwarming content released by supermarkets this year. John Lewis's offering focuses on a music-loving father and son, while Great Ormond Street Hospital's advert features families of seriously ill children spending Christmas at the hospital.
