PETA calls for retirement of America’s favorite groundhog
Letter calls for robotic replacement
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (KYMA, KECY) - The president of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is calling for Punxsutawney Phil to retire and be replaced with a robotic rodent.
However, the Groundhog Club isn't ready to let go of its legendary weather forecaster. It calls PETA's suggestion "outrageous."
PETA says groundhogs are prey species that don't like being around humans. They say Phil should live in a natural habitat in the wild.
The president of the Groundhog Club says Phil's very well taken care of. Bill Deeley says the world's most famous groundhog seems very happy getting the celebrity treatment. Still, Deeley says the club's open to suggestions.
"How can you criticize us for things we do when you haven't came, you've never come and observed what we do do. Come and see what we do and if we do disapprove of the things that you think we should, then we'll try to correct it." said Deeley.
Punxsutawney natives scoffed at the idea of replacing Phil with an animatronic version of his furry face.
"If they would take that away, and put it with like a robotic groundhog, I think that would be absolutely insane." said Olivia Wright.
Deeley says Phil's irreplaceable.
"Phil, you're our hero and always will be." he told the groundhog.
The groundhog will take center stage this Sunday when he emerges from his world famous hole to make his annual spring prediction. According to legend, if he sees his shadow, we'll see six more weeks of winter. No shadow means an early spring.
