On October 7 and 8, the city of Yellvilleis holding its annual Turkey Trot Festival, during which wild turkeys—whotypically fly only short distances, rarely reaching 100 feet—are hurled fromprivate planes traveling around 70 miles per hour at altitudes of approximately1,000 feet as part of the "Turkey Drop" tradition. Disoriented andunable to right themselves, most birds plummet like bricks,fatally crashing onto buildings, cars, and the street. Those with wind undertheir wings careen at extreme speeds into the landscape. Cityofficials declare that this isn't sanctioned by the festival, yet it continuesyear after year. Videofootage of the 2010 Turkey Drop can be viewed below.The Turkey Drop clearlyviolates Arkansas law (§5-62-103), which states that "a person commits the offense of cruelty toanimals if he or she knowingly subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment." PETAis offering a www.peta.org/action/mediacenter/news-releases/PETA-Offers-Up of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone directlyinvolved in this activity. But we need your voice!Please politely urge officials to do everything in their power to end thiscruel and illegal act.Send polite commentsto:The Honorable ShawnLaneMayor of the City ofYellvillemailto:clerk@yellville.netmailto:mayor@yellville.netYellville City Hall870-449-6581