It’s commonplace to see posters and indicators promoting scrumptious treats and tempting contemporary produce, however just lately, we got here throughout a few meals stalls that may make you do a double-take so quick, you’ll get whiplash. And whereas we’re all in favor of a little bit of innocent humor and intelligent promoting, now we have to marvel if these tongue-in-cheek advertising campaigns have taken issues a bit bit too far…
Scrumptious Canine Since 1981
In the event you occurred to be among the many crowds absorbing among the hardly ever seen English sunshine in Bristol final weekend, you might need observed a stall promoting natural meat. In the event you seemed a bit nearer, you’d little question have been horrified to learn that the cuts on provide included ‘Lab steaks,’ ‘Pug bacon,’ and even ‘Corgi legs’ – all free-range and sustainably raised, after all. Most individuals would shortly dismiss the signal as a joke, however when persons are nonetheless reeling from the false allegations of individuals consuming pets that have been raised in the course of the 2024 presidential debate, it’s comprehensible to have doubts, notably when nowadays, reality is commonly stranger than fiction.
These livid or curious sufficient to enterprise nearer to the Elwood’s Natural Meat stall (at the least we hope they weren’t seeking to choose up a brace of Chihuahua), quickly realized that Elwood’s are in reality not growers and sellers of prime canine meat, however are staunch supporters and proponents of decreasing or eliminating animals – all animals – from our diets, and the one steaks on provide have been truly product of tofu. The reflexive repulsion that most individuals really feel when seeing canines damaged down into serving recommendations is strictly what the group at Elwood’s is aiming for, highlighting the hypocrisy of the meat business. No, they’re not suggesting that we ought to be consuming canines, however that we should be feeling simply as outraged about slaughtering all animals for meat, not simply those who have turn out to be our pets.
Their dedication to this satirical marketing campaign is spectacular, with their web site containing many informative articles about how they lovingly elevate premium canines for humane slaughter, in addition to their strategies for producing their canine dairy and egg vary, which might be the time that even the slowest of the pack ought to begin to notice that each one just isn’t what it appears at Elwood’s! However relatively than being overly preachy or ramming their viewpoint down the reader’s throat, the web site gently leads us to attract our personal conclusions, one thing many different vegan organizations don’t enable for, typically to their detriment.
This controversial method is more likely to set off an assortment of reactions, from bemusement to horror, help to animosity, however the level is that it will get the dialog going. Whether or not you’re already a religious vegan, a fence-sitting flexitarian, or a dedicated carnivore, any dialogue that broadens our understanding of what the meat business entails and the way we are able to enhance the lives of all animals is sweet to have.
‘What I Name Enterprise, Popping Pussies Into Pies’
For many who aren’t conversant in the darkly comical Sweeney Todd musical, earlier than Mrs Lovett began baking the unlucky victims of the ‘demon barber of Fleet Road’ into her pastries, it was a budget and prepared stray cat inhabitants that supplemented native meat pie fillings – if she might catch them. Maybe it was with this in thoughts {that a} in style pie store in New Zealand jumped on the chance to mix controversy with commerce.
Muzza’s Pies, a massively in style pit-stop in Auckland, is setting tongues and tails wagging with the addition of ‘Cat Flavored Canine Pies’ to their listing of conventional and unique dishes, like Steak & Cheese, Mexicani, and Hen & Apricot. Many cat lovers wasted no time in voicing their disgust and disappointment at this new menu merchandise, with out pausing to learn all the knowledge.
The pup-sized pastries have been crafted particularly for canines, with a singular mix of rabbit and fish to imitate feline taste (though it’s unclear as to how this specific culinary conclusion was reached!). Not solely are these pies created particularly for canines, however they’re even distributed from a customized constructed mini-Muzza’s stand outdoors the unique store, for a tasty and Instagram-worthy expertise.
These pies aren’t nearly concentrating on canine tastebuds; they’re additionally elevating cash for an excellent trigger, with 10% of each Canine Pie offered donated to Chained Canine Rehabilitation & Rehoming, a neighborhood shelter devoted to canine welfare.
John Williams, proprietor of Muzza’s Pies, says:
We’ve at all times been about bringing individuals collectively over nice pies, and we’ve seen firsthand how a lot our clients love sharing a deal with with their canines. So we needed to create one thing particular only for them whereas additionally giving again to canines in want. And let’s be sincere, the concept of replicating cat flavours in a pie for canines gave us an excellent snicker – we simply needed to do it!
Whereas some critics may say that this cheeky advertising ploy encourages violence in direction of cats, or trivializes dog-on-cat aggression, even The Cat Haven Rescue appreciates the humor.
Muzzas Pies have simply launched a pie for canines with the slogan ‘100% cat flavour, 0% cat’ — and actually, we predict it’s hilarious! The traditional canine vs cat rivalry has been round perpetually, and that is such a intelligent, humorous twist on it. Even higher? All proceeds go to a canine rescue. Unimaginable!
We’ll be stopping by each time we head to the vet to seize just a few of those doggy pies — and hand them out to some pups alongside the way in which. Love the concept, love the trigger, love the humour. Properly performed, Muzza’s Pies!
In fact, these cat-flavored cat-less pies elevate the same query concerning the double-standard that exists relating to which animals are and will not be thought of applicable pastry fillers. Ought to all of us be taking a more in-depth have a look at why some animals are casually seen as meat, whereas the considered others being changed into steak triggers such an emotional response?
Comedy, Controversy…or Each?
They are saying that “all publicity is sweet publicity,” and whereas there’ll at all times be those that discover no wiggle room within the topic of cat or canine meat for a joke, there’s nothing fairly like a shock marketing campaign to get consideration. Whether or not it’s a tasty deal with, an excellent trigger, or an vital dialogue, so long as no cats or canines are harmed within the course of, we’re right here for it!
