Radio Host Slaughters Steer in Anti-PETA Stunt

April 7, 2000

March 23, 2000

Cameron, WV - When Mike Gallagher finally came face-to-snout with the 4-

year-old steer he had ordered killed, the syndicated radio talk-show host

wavered.

Gallagher, incensed by an anti-milk campaign from the People for the Ethical

Treatment of Animals, planned to slaughter the steer named Old Blue and air its

execution on his show.

He looked into Old Blue's furry white face and big black eyes Wednesday evening.

“Oh, I don't want to look at him,” Gallagher said, turning away, then glancing

back.

Old Blue stood quietly, looking at the 20 or so people gathered at the

slaughterhouse on a remote Marshall County hilltop.

“I'm seriously thinking maybe we shouldn't do this. ... I really can't bail out

now, can I? Would people be mad if I backed out?” Gallagher asked his producer.

“Maybe we can give him a reprieve.”

In the end, Old Blue was shot to death. Gallagher looked away.

Owner Dave Hall got a check for $850, charities and shelters in West Virginia

will get 400 pounds of meat and Gallagher got the satisfaction of pulling an

anti-PETA stunt.

PETA, based in Norfolk, Va., last week withdrew its “Got Beer?” campaign after

Mothers Against Drunk Driving and conservatives like Gallagher charged that it

encouraged underage drinking.

The irreverent campaign was intended to be a humorous way to protest the

conditions of dairy cattle. PETA also claimed fat and cholesterol make regular

milk so unhealthy that beer is better.

News that Old Blue would die had angered animal activists.

Gallagher said he's received nearly a dozen death threats in recent days and

police were expected at Capital Music Hall in Wheeling for today's broadcast. A

free steak and egg breakfast was planned for the audience, complete with milk

and pita bread.

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