Each Thanksgiving, the U.S. President pardons two turkeys but, sadly, these birds are not sent to sanctuaries. Do you want better for turkeys this year? Sign our petition now to ask President Biden to release the pardoned birds into Farm Sanctuary's permanent care.
A letter to the President
Dear President Biden,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health and positive spirits.
We are reaching out to you today as the founding farm animal sanctuary in the nation—on behalf of the compassionate people who signed this petition and more than one million constituents.
If you host a presidential turkey pardoning this year, we hope you’ll allow the birds to come live in our care at Farm Sanctuary. Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has rescued thousands of animals, bringing them to a life of healing and safety.
Our dedicated teams provide quality, individualized care throughout each animal's life. Modern turkeys have been bred to grow unnaturally fast and large, which is detrimental to their health and mobility. They require specialized attention, which birds pardoned by previous presidents have not received.
As we approach the holiday season––meant to be a time of gratitude and goodwill––we hope you’ll accept our offer to provide sanctuary and the best life possible for pardoned turkeys. This year’s birds are expected to be sent to Farmamerica, a tourist attraction promoting animal agriculture, the very industry that harms them. At Farm Sanctuary, these turkeys would live peaceful and natural lives. They would be allowed to dust bathe, feel grass beneath their feet, enjoy a robust social life, and receive veterinary care.
A true pardon for this year’s birds would not only spare them from further suffering or exploitation but send another powerful message from you, Mr. President, that there is strength in compassion.
We would be happy to open our doors to anyone in your administration or the poultry farmers themselves so that they may see what a beautiful life these spared turkeys will experience at Farm Sanctuary.
Please find attached the signatures in support of this request.
Thank you for your consideration.
Gene Baur
CEO & Co-founder, Farm Sanctuary