Animal rights group Peta has asked a town in Connecticut to rename its oddly monikered Roast Meat Hill Road to Roast Vegan Hill Road.
In a letter sent to Killingworth town official Nancy Gorski, a representative of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals offered to pay for the sign change and “hold a giveaway of tasty vegan ham sandwiches in town if you agree!”
Tracy Reiman, Peta’s executive vice-president, added in the letter: “By renaming the road, you would spread goodwill to all sentient beings and promote compassionate traditions this holiday season.”
Gorski told the New Haven Register that she was happy to discuss the matter at the next town council meeting in January, but she – and other local officials – expressed some doubt as to whether the idea would be welcomed.
“Personally, I’m a traditionalist,” Gorski said “The name Roast Meat Hill – the name of that road dates back to even before Killingworth was founded.”
Another official, Cathy Iino told the Register: “I’ve never heard anyone be offended, I think they’re proud of it.”
Peta has a long tradition of eye-catching stunts and media events which it used to promote animal welfare and the benefits of a vegan diet.
According to the New Haven Register, no one knows the exact origin of the oddly named thoroughfare. But local media have long speculated on the issue with explanations varying from a barn fire that roasted a trapped herd of cattle to a celebratory feast by an early colonist pleased with a bumper harvest.
