The scene of notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s first murder in 1978 is up for sale in Akron, Ohio for $295,000. One would think that it would be challenging for realtors to move this home, right? Wrong. Guess who wants to buy it? PETA. Yes, that PETA. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals “PETA.” But what’s really fascinating is that they want to make it into a vegan restaurant.
Because so many people want to eat food in this house where Jeffrey killed and probably ate one of his victims.
On April 4th, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk sent the following letter to Richard Lubinski, the real estate agent who is handling the home. Here is the letter, courtesy of WKYC.
Dear Mr. Lubinski:
I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to learn more about the property listed for sale at 4480 W. Bath Rd. in Akron, Ohio. Given that this is the spot where Jeffrey Dahmer grew up and committed murder, it may provide an opportunity for us to respond to the past with something positive. Our idea is to convert this location into a vegan restaurant. In case there are zoning restrictions in place, we would be willing to ask the Akron Board of Zoning Appeals to reconsider.
For those following Dahmer’s story, the pattern became familiar: Dahmer drugged his victims, dragged them across the room, and bound their legs and feet. Their struggles and cries went unanswered. They were slaughtered and had their heads sawed off. Their body parts were refrigerated for later consumption, and their bones were discarded with the trash. But, horrifyingly, this violence did not end with Dahmer’s incarceration or death. It continues in the same way but with different victims today?more than 30 billion animals are slaughtered in just this way for food in the U.S. each year.
We are always looking for ways to draw attention to the violence inherent in the production of meat, eggs, and milk?which involve processes that would shock all but the most hard-hearted person. Dahmer’s old house gives us a way to evoke sympathy for these victims and to suggest that a life-affirming diet can change everything. It offers a way to point out that all animals are made of flesh, blood, and bone?just as we are?and that they have the same five senses that we do and the same capacity to experience suffering and fear. In addition, they want to lead their lives free from pain and avoid a violent death. It gives us a way to point out that there are fabulous, violence-free ways to eat that avoid all blood and guts. Do you think that the house could be turned into a trendy dining spot that inspires visitors to practice compassion with every bite that they take?by going vegan? Please get back to me with your thoughts on this matter. Thank you.
Very truly yours,
Ingrid E. Newkirk
President
As Lubinski said: “The house never killed anyone.”
Take a virtual tour of Dahmer’s childhood home via the WKYC video.
UPDATE: PETA couldn’t get zoning of the property to turn it into a restaurant. (WKYC)
OK but they still wanted to, so WTH PETA?
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Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?subscribe to her public updates on Facebook,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also have a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
