LOUISVILLE — LOUISVILLE -- An animal rights group placed a tombstone with a hidden message in Cave Hill Cemetery, the graveyard in which the founder of KFC is interred.
The grave marker was originally approved by the cemetery, but officials said they were tricked. Now they want it removed.
The headstone is actually not meant to be a memorial for a person. Instead, it’s for animals -- all part of a scheme by PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
“We do not believe in being part of any political message at all,” said Mac Barr, board chairman of Cave Hill Cemetery. “And I think that kind of message is inappropriate for this cemetery.”
At first glance, the tombstone looks like any other grave marker. But a closer look at the epitaph reveals a deeper meaning.
A seemingly innocuous poem is inscribed on the headstone, but when read vertically; the first letter of each line spells out “KFC Tortures Birds.”
“We sent our design to the cemetery ahead of time, or rather, the monument company did, and it was approved in advance,” said PETA representative Lindsay Rajt.
“We did not realize there was a mnemonic over here that says ‘KFC tortures birds,’” Barr said. "Had we known that, had Matthew or somebody from his organization presented it to the board, it would not have been approved.”
The plot purchased by PETA, with living PETA member Matthew Prescott's name on it, is strategically located near the memorial of Kentucky Fried Chicken founder, Col. Harland Sanders.
“We believe that this is directed at Col. Sanders and KFC, and again, if we had known this in advance we would not have permitted this,” said Barr.
“Col. Sanders has a monument in Cave Hill Cemetery and he is an icon of cruelty,” said Rajt. “Certainly the nearly 1 billion chickens that are tortured and killed for KFC restaurants each year are more deserving than him.”
Barr said the tombstone was approved by one of their sales people, but now that the true message is clear, it will have to be removed.
“He can take it anywhere he would like to take it and we will also buy the grave space back from him,” he said.
Barr said another local cemetery might welcome the headstone. PETA representatives say they will now consider their options.
“We understand their point of view,” Rajt said.
In a statement, KFC said, “People will see this for what it is, a disgustingly disrespectful way to disgrace the resting place of the departed… They have crossed the line once again and continue to misrepresent KFC's industry-leading animal welfare guidelines."— WLKY NewsChannel 32
Recent Local News
PETA headstone contains anti-KFC secret recipe
Animal rights group erected headstone near Col. Sanders' grave
- Recent Local News
-
-
SWEET TREAT: Volunteers see the attraction of annual Starlight Strawberry Festival
-
Board chair: Parks district best solution for New Albany and Floyd County
Mayor Jeff Gahan’s veto of a new parks deal between the city and county was upheld earlier this month by the New Albany City Council. While the Floyd County Council agreed to still pay an additional $100,000 toward the parks department for the remainder of the year, the city and county remain under a prior agreement that led to funding discrepancies in the past.
-
THE 'V' WORD: SUB: Prosser Career Education Center moves away from stigma of ‘vocational’ school
- TARC sets Memorial Day and Kennedy Bridge route changes
- Indiana man releases hostages, fatally shoots self
-
Vietnam veteran receives medals 46 years after active duty ends
- More travelers to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend
-
Pence talks bridges, jobs during Southern Indiana swing
“I think everyone senses with the recent bridges agreement, the potential for extraordinary growth,” said Mike Pence, a U.S. House member who is seeking to replace Gov. Mitch Daniels and retain the gubernatorial seat for the Republican Party.
- Police: Gunman has hostages in Indiana realty office
-
Delaware woman dies in I-65 crash
-
Collingsworth Family to perform at Silver Heights Retreat Center in New Albany
The Collingsworth Family will be making a return trip to the Silver Heights Retreat and Camp Center in New Albany on Thursday, June 7.
-
Clark County approves self-insurance plan
Clark County Insurance Agent-of-Record Diane Swank presented health insurance renewal options at the council meeting Monday, but the county’s fiscal body decided to recess its meeting in order to review a proposal to move the county to a self-insured plan.
-
New theater directors at NAHS and FCHS ready for their programs
As the curtain falls on the careers of the teachers who put the theater programs of Floyd Central and New Albany high schools on the map, the new blood coming in have big hopes for the programs they’re taking over.
-
Jeff to start enforcing insurance ordinances
A 2004 ordinance that dictates how much city retirees pay for health insurance – ignored for years by Jeffersonville officials – looks like it will now be enforced.
-
Top Gun showing Saturday at the New Albany riverfront
In honor of Memorial Day, the city of New Albany will show the movie “Top Gun” on its new 40-foot screen at the Riverfront Amphitheater Saturday.
- More Recent Local News Headlines
-
