Dozens of turkeys are to be chucked off the top of a clock tower in County Fermanagh — to see if they can fly.

The controversial plan to fire 50 live turkeys off the 100ft tower in Irvinestown has been condemned by animal groups.

But organiser Joe Mahon shrugged off the complaints, saying: “It's not cruel because turkeys are supposed to be able to fly like all birds, so if they can then what's the problem? We're going to march the turkeys up the steps of the town clock and throw them off the top to see if they can fly and that’s that.

“I'll be throwing some of the turkeys off the tower myself, no bother, and Santa Claus will be at the bottom holding a safety blanket and will be ready to catch the turkeys if they don't fly. He won't miss them flying through the air because we've just started training him up. He'll be well up to the job on the day.”

The businessman, who runs Mahon's Hotel, is no stranger to controversy. Earlier this year he paraded women down the streets of Irvinestown as part of a wolf-whistling contest and last year he held a turkey parade — which was stopped by police — all for charity.

But Stephen Philpott of the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is furious.

“We would object strongly to this activity as well. It is not entertaining, it is merely exploiting animals or creatures in a horrendous way,” he said.

YouTube: Happy thanksgiving - WKRP Turkey Drop

Belfast Telegraph