Criticism over radio station's plan to kill turkeys live on air unless listeners vote to save them

The RSPCA has called on an Oxfordshire radio station to "rethink" a vote to decide the fate of a pair of turkeys. A spokesman said they oppose any practice that would have the "potential to cause animals pain ... in the name of entertainment". Jack FM is running an online vote for listeners to choose if two turkeys are cooked or kept alive.



If the decision is to “cook it” they’ll be killed live on air and then eaten by listeners at a Christmas party during the breakfast show on Friday, December 19. Breakfast Presenter Trevor Marshall says: “The majority of people in the UK eat meat. If they have a problem with this then they’re hypocrites and should be opting for the nut roast.

"There is nothing better than one of these free range birds who have literally spent their lives running through orchards. We keep saying we should make an effort to know where our food has come from – well I know where these have come from, let's man up, be honest and eat these turkeys - what else are they good for?”



The turkeys, named Sage and Onion, come from Callow Farm, a free-range local farming business run by fourth-generation farmer Dave Holoway. Jack FM's News Director, Caroline Verdon, said: "If it's decided that the turkeys are to be saved then we will be working with the relevant welfare authorities to make sure that Sage and Onion's forever home will be somewhere that they can have a long and happy life together. If listeners vote to cook the turkeys, the turkey farm would facilitate the procedure."