Frustrated PETA activists stuck their feet in cement at PepsiCo’s headquarters in New York in response to claims regarding animal mistreatment in the company’s sugar supply chain, according to various reports.
During a virtual annual general meeting on Wednesday, animal rights activists donned cow horns and obstructed the entrance to PepsiCo’s facility in Purchase. PETA released a statement.
Footage from the protest showed one activist yelling and dousing the pavement with fake blood, with her shoe ensnared in the cement, as cars honked in frustration and police urged for swift action.
Chanting, “Pepsi profits and the bulls pay the price!” the protesters continued until the police arrived to handcuff them, occasionally pulling bull horns off their costumes.
Firefighters subsequently came to use a drill to free the activists from the cement blocks. Some were later seen being taken away on stretchers by ambulances following the incident.
A police officer suggested the activists were merely trying to create a spectacle while warning them to disperse.
Six demonstrators were arrested and charged with criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and criminal tampering, as reported by News12.
The action was reportedly aimed at pressuring PepsiCo to cease purchasing sugar from suppliers in India, where PETA claims bulls are subjected to mistreatment, such as being beaten and forced to haul heavy cane carts under extreme conditions.
PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk stated, “PepsiCo should stop beating bulls and making them work until they fall to deliver the sugar in their Pepsi-branded drinks.” She emphasized that the company must comply with its ethical standards and collaborate with suppliers to mechanize sugar production, thus safeguarding these intelligent animals from exploitation throughout their lives.
According to News12, the disagreement arose from a shareholder resolution filed by PETA, which sought a report on whether PepsiCo’s supply chain aligns with global animal welfare standards. This resolution was presented during the annual meeting but received only 8.8 percent of the votes, which animal rights advocates deemed unusually high.
PETA indicated that the percentage was significant enough for them to consider reintroducing the resolution.
In response, PepsiCo stated, “PepsiCo believes in the ethical and humane treatment of animals and aims to meet the expectations of our consumers, customers, and stakeholders for high standards of animal welfare.” However, the company did not immediately reply to requests for further comment.
