Modern turkey farms, including many whose products are sold under “free range” labels, crowd up to 75,000 individuals into a single shed, leaving them barely enough space to move or spread their wings. These sensitive and intelligent birds struggle to move past one another to reach food and water, and are forced to live in layers of excrement and urine, which causes painful ulcers on their feet and breasts. The air in these sheds is so polluted with pathogens, dust, and ammonia that many suffer from painful respiratory diseases and eye disorders, including swelling of the eyelids, discharge, ulceration of the cornea, and even blindness.

Turkeys suffer unspeakable cruelty while being raised in extreme confinement, all the way through to their final hours of life at the slaughterhouse.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our blessings with loved ones, but it needn’t be at the expense of the lives of innocent animals. Luckily, there are so many alternatives available to enjoy a cruelty-free Thanksgiving.

Easy “main-dish” swaps include the classic and delicious Field Roast Hazelnut Cranberry Roast En Croute, the equally classic Tofurky Loaf, or the Gardein Stuffed Turk’y Loaf.

This year, please take the pledge to have a cruelty-free Thanksgiving!