Published: Thursday, 5th November, 2009 9:00am

Joe gets a roasting over plans to toss turkeys off tower

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Mr. Joe Mahon.

A controversial plan to throw live turkeys off a clock tower in Irvinestown has been slammed by animal groups.

As part of the town's annual craft fair this December, at least 50 turkeys will be thrown off the top of the tower to see if they can fly, The Impartial Reporter can exclusively reveal.

Organiser Joe Mahon (pictured left), who is no stranger to controversy, says he can't see any problem with his latest 'bird-brained' idea. When asked to justify the event, Mr. Mahon said; "We're going to march the turkeys up the steps of the town clock and throw them off the top to see if they can fly. It's not cruel because turkeys are supposed to be able to fly like all birds, so if they can then what's the problem?"

"I'll be throwing some of the turkeys off the tower myself, no bother, and Santa Claus will be at the bottom holding a safety blanket and will be ready to catch the turkeys if they don't fly. He won't miss them flying through the air because we've just started training him up. He'll be well up to the job on the day," said Mr. Mahon.

The local businessman, who runs Mahon's Hotel, said he has been "hand-rearing" his own turkeys for this 'fowl' event for months; "I've been busy fattening them up for ages now. I don't think the extra weight will affect them flying one bit so there's no reason why anyone should be upset about it. Anyone that wants to take part in it can contact me in the hotel," he added.

Pat Nolan of Bright Eyes Santuary, Ballinamallard said he would be doing all he could to stop Mr. Mahon from hurling turkeys off the tower, which is thought to be over 100 feet high.

"It's absolutely scandalous and ridiculous and we totally condemn this foolish event. Even if the turkeys could fly, which they can't, what's the point? It would be psychological cruelty, never mind physical cruelty. It's a bit like pig-racing - totally 'alien' to the animal. My message to Joe Mahon is that this is an absolute 'no no' and we'll be seeing if we can bring an end to it."

And David Wilson of the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals added; "We would object strongly to this activity as well. It is not entertaining, it is merely exploiting animals or creatures in a horrendous way," he said.

The throwing of the turkeys will coincide with Irvinestown's annual craft fair on December 12. The event which raises money for charity hit the headlines last year with a turkey parade from taking place through the streets of the town.