Activists demand taxpayer-funded chicken memorial in Adelaide

A chicken-related tragedy in South Australia has prompted calls for a taxpayer-funded memorial at the scene of the fiery accident that claimed the lives of 5000 chooks.

PETA is seeking approval to erect a roadside tombstone memorial on the South Eastern Freeway.

One of the most sickening chicken-related tragedies in South Australian history has prompted calls from an animal rights group for a taxpayer-funded roadside memorial at the scene of the fiery accident that claimed the lives of 5000 chooks.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has even mocked up a draft version of the memorial which features a tombstone-style engraving of a pensive-looking chicken with the words: “In Memory of the Chickens Who Suffered and Died at This Spot. Try Vegan”.

The SA Government confirmed a formal approach had been made from PETA in response to the August 24 truck fire on the South-Eastern Freeway which took fire crews 30 minutes to contain, with almost all chickens on board the truck lost, the remainder euthanised due to smoke inhalation.

Police, emergency workers and the RSPCA at the scene on the fiery crash on the on South Eastern Freeway. Picture: AAP

PETA spokeswoman Aleesha Naxakis told The Adelaide Hills News that the memorial would be an Australian first.

“We think that this would let people know that the best way to prevent incidents such as this one is to go vegan, which would help eliminate the terrifying trips to abattoirs chickens are forced to make,” she said.

A State Government spokesman said the proposal would be considered but suggested any sign carrying PETA branding was likely to be treated as advertising and would need to seek development approval instead from the Adelaide Hills Council.