PETA activists, wearing fake cow horns, blocked the entrance to PepsiCo's headquarters in Purchase, New York, on 6/5, coinciding with the corporation's annual shareholder meeting.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), one of the world's largest and most influential animal rights organizations, is known for its campaigns advocating for animal welfare. However, the group often faces controversy for its occasionally extreme tactics.
Video footage from the scene showed activists embedding their feet into concrete blocks in the middle of the road. They then poured fake blood onto the street, chanting slogans like "Pepsi profits, cows pay the price!" to block traffic.
PETA activists embed their feet in cement during a protest outside PepsiCo headquarters in New York, 6/5. Video: Freedom News
The activists refused to leave even after police arrived and ordered them to disperse. Firefighters were called to drill the concrete blocks from the protesters' feet.
Several individuals were transported by stretcher to ambulances. Six protesters were arrested and charged with property damage and disturbing the peace.
The protest specifically targeted PepsiCo's alleged practice of sourcing sugar from international partners and suppliers. PETA claims these entities abuse cows by beating and whipping them, and forcing them to pull overloaded sugarcane carts in extreme heat.
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Firefighters drill concrete blocks from a protester's feet. Photo: NYP
The controversy stems from a shareholder resolution filed by PETA, demanding PepsiCo publish a report on whether its supply chain adheres to a global animal welfare policy.
PETA presented this resolution at PepsiCo's annual shareholder meeting on 6/5, but shareholders rejected it, with only 8,8% of votes in favor.
PETA called the voting percentage "unusually low" and vowed to resubmit the resolution. In response to a request for comment, PepsiCo stated that the company "believes in the humane treatment of animals" and is committed to meeting the high animal welfare standards expected by consumers, customers, and stakeholders.
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Medical personnel transport a protester to an ambulance. Photo: NYP
Duc Trung. Sources: NY Post, AP, Hill.
