Roost Instead of Roast : Camarillo Pair Take In Toms With Good Reason to Give Thanks

After traveling cross-country, members of an animal-rights group seeking to publicize what they term the inhumane treatment of farm animals delivered two turkeys saved from a Thanksgiving dinner table to a Camarillo couple Saturday.

A bird expert had predicted last week that the 2,700-mile trip would be “incredibly cruel” because of the delicate nature of turkeys. But the birds’ new owners said they appeared to be healthy.

The two toms, named Strutter and Trotter, were among six turkeys driven by van from Wilmington, Del., by members of the Farm Sanctuary, a Delaware-based pro-animal group.

The group delivered the turkeys to families in Cincinnati and Boulder, Colo., over the Thanksgiving weekend to publicize what they call the inhumane methods farmers use in raising and slaughtering animals such as turkeys, chickens and cattle.

George West, California’s chief bird veterinarian, had predicted that the trip would prove fatal to the turkeys and might violate federal laws on abusing animals.

Birds to Be Examined

But David and Linda Callahan, who have provided a new home for Strutter and Trotter in Camarillo, said their adopted birds appear to be in good shape after their trip. Linda Callahan said she will have the turkeys examined by a veterinarian today.

“The van was never stopped by inspectors at any state line,” said Linda, a member of the board of directors of the Ventura County Humane Society.

David Callahan said the turkeys, which each weigh more than 20 pounds, seemed to be getting along with the family’s collection of dogs, cats and ducks. All the animals at the Callahan home were abandoned by their original owners, the wife said.

“People know us, and they’ve even tossed animals over our fence,” said David Callahan, an Oxnard attorney.

Linda Callahan said that, once people learn how badly some farm animals are treated, they will demand changes. “People have to be aware that animals have feelings, at least feelings of pain,” she said, adding that, on Thanksgiving, she had experienced some strong feelings at the family’s holiday dinner.

“I had a very small piece of turkey and I couldn’t help feeling very guilty,” she said.