Punxsutawney, PA — It’s a tradition that has been around since the 1800s --- Groundhog Day --- and is celebrated annually in Punxsutawney, Pa.
Once again, the organization known as PETA -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals -- wants to change the tradition by replacing the furry forecaster with a gold coin.
In a letter sent to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Punxsutawney Phil would then live out his golden years in a sanctuary.
The group sent the letter to his handlers saying, “Phil’s annual weather forecast is no more accurate than a coin flip” and argued the tradition is not humane.
Groundhogs can’t make heads or tails of the weather forecast and shouldn’t be jostled around by large members of a different species and thrust in front of noisy crowds for a photo op,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is urging The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to send Phil to a reputable sanctuary that will give him the care he needs and not to treat him as a wildlife prop.PETA has sent similar letters over the years calling for Phil’s retirement.
The organization also suggested changing the name of the annual tradition to, “Weather There’ll Be More Winter Day."
So far, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's president hasn't responded to the most recent request.
Groundhog Day this year is next Friday, February 2nd.
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