PETA calls for memorial to two cows that died in A35 crash

The campaign group has written to Dorset Council leader Spencer Flower asking for permission to create a memorial to the dead cows in Upton.

On Monday, July 17, a livestock lorry carrying 56 cows flipped over on the Bakers Arms roundabout with all but two making it out alive. 

PETA director Elisa Allen said: “For nothing more than some steaks and burgers, this crash left animals suffering on an already terrifying trip, likely to the abattoir.

Calls for a cow memorial are being made (Image: Pixabay)

“PETA's roadside memorial would prevent further tragedies, including human ones, by reminding people to drive with care and spare a thought for animals by no longer eating them.” 

The proposed memorial features an image of a cow next to the words ‘In memory of the cows who suffered and died in a lorry accident on this spot’.

Read more: Two cows die after lorry crash on A35

At the time of the incident, the road was closed and a large recovery mission took place – but it is unclear where the cows were going to. 

Martyn Bates and Julie Turnbull, who were visiting from Australia, heard the crash from the caravan they were staying in. 

'In memory of the two cows' (Image: PETA)

Julie said she could hear the “banging and banging of the cattle” as they kicked on the overturned trailer. 

“The sound was so strange and was muffled, just awful. It kept going on,” she added. 

Dorset Council has declined to comment. 

Read more: Cattle lorry flips over on A35 Bakers Arms Roundabout

The animal rights campaign group, whose motto reads in part that “animals are not ours to eat”, argues that vegan eating “spares sensitive animals a terrifying death in an abattoir” 

In 2018, PETA called for the village of Wool to have its name changed to ‘Vegan Wool’. 

Wool Parish Council received a letter from PETA asking them to consider renaming the village to “put Wool in the spotlight and promote kindness to sheep.” 

The plea was rejected, with the council saying: “If they look into the history of Wool, they will see that the village has nothing to do with the wool industry.”