Turkey escapes dinner date as veggies' numbers up

A Christmas turkey cheated death after it was won in a raffle by a couple of vegetarians, it emerged today.

Bert, weighing a plump 15lbs, was destined to be carved up as a festive feast on December 25.

But instead of joining the other 10 million turkeys killed annually in the run up to Christmas, Bert escaped to freedom when he was won as the mystery prize in a church raffle.

Bert’s new owners, Ray and Maura Stroud, from Somerton, Somerset, who have been strict vegetarians for 30 years, bought five raffle tickets a week ago.

The couple, who enjoy a nut roast each Christmas, were horrified when a local farmer rang them to say their prize was a turkey which was due to be slaughtered in the next few days.

Retired plumber Ray, aged 73, said: “The last thing we wanted was for an animal to be killed for us, so, without thinking, I asked the farmer if we could have the bird alive. We then looked at our little local semi and realised we had nowhere to keep him.”

Maura, 65, said: “I’m pleased to be able to save the poor bird. Where he is going he can run around a bit more than he is used to. I will send some money to him so he gets fed.”

Ray phoned Bristol-based animal campaigns group Viva! And they offered Bert a new home with company director Juliet Gellatley.

Bert is now running free at Juliet’s Chepstow home with a dozen rescued battery hens.

Juliet, aged 40, said: “Bert is now settling into his new home and has already endeared himself to the whole family. He is a total individual – a bit of a character with an enormous personality and a sense of both fun and mischief.

“I’m sure, given half the chance, he’d happily flip the bird at those who’d rather see him as Christmas dinner!”