Live Turkeys Dropped From Plane In Arkansas Despite Protest

Again this year in Yellville Arkansas Turkeys were dropped from planes. This tradition has gone on for years during the Annual Turkey Trot despite many protests. Defenders of the drop say that wild turkeys can fly however this year only 4 out of the 5 turkeys flew to the ground. After landing the turkeys are caught and taken home by bystanders. Many said they'd be using the turkeys for their Thanksgiving.

“Placing turkeys in an environment that is new to them is stressful,”poultry science professor Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton told Arkansas Online. “In the case of an airplane, the noise would also be a stress-producing fear reaction. Dropping one from 500 feet is a horrific act of abuse.”

Despite protest the event organizers say that they will continue to do the Turkey Drop in upcoming years to bring attention to the abundant wild turkeys in the area.