PETA to park its ‘Hell on Wheels’ chicken truck outside Nebraska State Fair

Editor's Note: this story was updated to include comments from the Nebraska State Fair.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Visitors to the Nebraska State Fair on Friday will be greeted by a provocative display.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says in a news release that it will park its “Hell on Wheels” truck outside of the fair on its opening day. The truck is covered with what the organization says are images of real chickens crammed into crates on their way to slaughter. The truck also plays recorded sounds of chickens in crates along with what PETA says is a subliminal message every 10 seconds suggesting that people go vegan.

“PETA’s ‘Hell on Wheels’ truck is an appeal to anyone who eats chicken to remember that the meat industry is cruel to birds and hazardous to human health and the only kind meal is a vegan one,” PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said in a statement.

The news release says the truck will be outside the fair starting at noon on Friday. PETA’s website says the truck will remain in Grand Island through Sunday. The organization doesn’t specifically list where it will be parked. The fair is housed on the Fonner Park campus, which is private property and does not permit public protests. 

"We respect the right of individuals and organizations to peacefully protest on public land and we are committed to maintaining an open dialogue with them regarding their concerns," a Nebraska State Fair spokesperson said. "It is our hope that those planning to participate in this demonstration do so by following city code while also being respectful of those around them."

In a statement, fair officials went on to say they respect concerns raised regarding the mistreatment of some animals across the globe.

"At the Nebraska State Fair we are deeply committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare. We work closely with state and local veterinarians, Nebraska Department of Agriculture and International Associations of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) to ensure that all animals at the Fair are treated humanely and with respect," the statement said. "Our Fair provides an educational experience for attendees, many of whom may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about animals and their history. We believe this fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of animals and their role in agriculture."