Just days after it was reported that the catalytic converter was stolen from an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in Las Vegas, PETA has offered to pay for the replacement part. But there’s one catch: the company has to convert the vehicle into a vegan hot dog mobile.
Paying for the replacement part and maintenance for one year for the switch sounds like an enticing offer. President Ingrid Newkirk made the proposal in a letter made out to Carlos Abrams-Rivera, Executive Vice President and President of The Kraft Heinz Company – North America Zone. Newkirk suggested that the Wienermobile become a NotDogmobile or “something similar” since the company is reportedly working to develop a line of vegan hot dogs.
She made a note that the recommendation comes when the demand for vegan hot dogs continues to rise. Over the last year, the global market for plant-based hot dogs grew by 20 percent and is projected to reach a market value of $1.99 billion by 2032.
“Since Americans’ appetite for cruelty-free foods is only growing, we hope you’ll relish this opportunity to ketchup with the trend by having at least one veggie dog mobile,” Newkirk wrote in the letter.
She also added that more and more Gen Zers are turning toward a plant-based diet, with 79 percent not eating meat at least one day a week. Plus, Newkirk stated that with one veggie dog mobile, more animals’ lives would be spared by promoting the “tasty vegan dogs” and the company would become more compassionate in the eyes of many.
Newkirk finished off her letter by saying that the ultimate goal is for everyone to understand they now have a variety of food options to pursue a vegan diet for ethical, environmental, health, religious or other reasons.
Neither Abrams-Rivera, Kraft Heinz or Oscar Mayer have responded to the offer.