3 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

The goal of the PETA organization was to bring public awareness to the suffering of animals in the food industry. While the recovery of the stolen truck is a positive development, PETA now has to assess the damage and find those responsible for this audacious act.

The stolen truck, known as "Hell on Wheels," became infamous for its colorful exterior adorned with graphic images of chickens in crates and a cook holding a dead chicken. The theft was reported in the area of Southeast 72nd and Southeast Flavel streets on the night of July 3 or the morning of July 4. However, on July 7, a vigilant Portland police officer came across the abandoned truck in the Brentwood-Darlington area, bringing relief to PETA.

Unfortunately, the truck was not unscathed after its ordeal. The criminals removed the exterior trim as well as valuable sound equipment and electronics. The tailgate was damaged, the windshield was cracked, and the ignition switch was knocked out. Despite all of this trouble, the perpetrators are still at large. PETA reported that law enforcement has video footage of the suspects allegedly driving the stolen truck to a local Taco Bell restaurant to satisfy their hunger. As a thank you for recovering the truck, PETA plans to deliver vegan chicken sandwiches to the Portland Police Department.

The purpose of PETA's visit to Portland was to pay tribute to the chickens tragically killed in a recent accident involving an overturned semi-truck on I-5. The nonprofit animal rights organization sought to raise awareness of the suffering these animals endure in the food industry.

While the recovery of the stolen truck is certainly a positive development, PETA is now tasked with assessing the damage and finding those responsible for this brazen act. By bringing attention to this incident, PETA hopes to further emphasize the importance of caring for animals and encourage a shift towards more compassionate choices in the food industry.