Labrador Rib-Eye and Cat Flavored Pies – Topical or Tasteless?

It’s not unusual to see posters and signs advertising delicious treats and tempting fresh produce, but recently, we came across a couple of food stalls that will make you do a double-take so fast, you’ll get whiplash. And while we’re all in favor of a bit of harmless humor and clever advertising, we have to wonder if these tongue-in-cheek marketing campaigns have taken things a little bit too far…

Delicious Dog Since 1981

If you happened to be among the crowds soaking up some of the rarely seen English sunshine in Bristol last weekend, you might have noticed a stall advertising organic meat. If you looked a little closer, you would no doubt have been horrified to read that the cuts on offer included ‘Lab steaks,’ ‘Pug bacon,’ and even ‘Corgi legs’ – all free-range and sustainably raised, of course. Most people would quickly dismiss the sign as a joke, but when people are still reeling from the false allegations of people eating pets that were raised during the 2024 presidential debate, it’s understandable to have doubts, particularly when these days, fact is often stranger than fiction.

Those furious or curious enough to venture closer to the Elwood’s Organic Meat stall (at least we hope they weren’t looking to pick up a brace of Chihuahua), soon learned that Elwood’s are in fact not growers and sellers of prime dog meat, but are staunch supporters and proponents of reducing or eliminating animals – all animals – from our diets, and the only steaks on offer were actually made of tofu. The reflexive repulsion that most people feel when seeing canines broken down into serving suggestions is exactly what the team at Elwood’s is aiming for, highlighting the hypocrisy of the meat industry. No, they’re not suggesting that we should be eating dogs, but that we ought to be feeling just as outraged about slaughtering all animals for meat, not just those that have become our pets.

Their commitment to this satirical campaign is impressive, with their website containing many informative articles about how they lovingly raise premium dogs for humane slaughter, as well as their methods for producing their canine dairy and egg range, which is probably the time that even the slowest of the pack should start to realize that all is not what it seems at Elwood’s! But rather than being overly preachy or ramming their point of view down the reader’s throat, the website gently leads us to draw our own conclusions, something many other vegan organizations don’t allow for, often to their detriment.

This controversial approach is likely to trigger an assortment of reactions, from bemusement to horror, support to animosity, but the point is that it gets the conversation going. Whether you’re already a devout vegan, a fence-sitting flexitarian, or a committed carnivore, any discussion that broadens our understanding of what the meat industry entails and how we can improve the lives of all animals is good to have.

‘What I Call Enterprise, Popping Pussies Into Pies’

For those who aren’t familiar with the darkly comical Sweeney Todd musical, before Mrs Lovett started baking the unfortunate victims of the ‘demon barber of Fleet Street’ into her pastries, it was the cheap and ready stray cat population that supplemented local meat pie fillings – if she could catch them. Perhaps it was with this in mind that a popular pie shop in New Zealand jumped on the opportunity to combine controversy with commerce.

Muzza’s Pies, a hugely popular pit-stop in Auckland, is setting tongues and tails wagging with the addition of ‘Cat Flavored Dog Pies’ to their list of traditional and exotic dishes, like Steak & Cheese, Mexicani, and Chicken & Apricot. Many cat lovers wasted no time in voicing their disgust and disappointment at this new menu item, without pausing to read all the information.

The pup-sized pastries have been crafted especially for dogs, with a unique blend of rabbit and fish to mimic feline flavor (although it’s unclear as to how this particular culinary conclusion was reached!). Not only are these pies created specifically for dogs, but they are even distributed from a custom built mini-Muzza’s stand outside the original shop, for a tasty and Instagram-worthy experience.

These pies aren’t just about targeting canine tastebuds; they’re also raising money for a good cause, with 10% of every Dog Pie sold donated to Chained Dog Rehabilitation & Rehoming, a local shelter dedicated to canine welfare.

John Williams, owner of Muzza’s Pies, says:

While some critics might say that this cheeky marketing ploy encourages violence towards cats, or trivializes dog-on-cat aggression, even The Cat Haven Rescue appreciates the humor.

Of course, these cat-flavored cat-less pies raise a similar question about the double-standard that exists regarding which animals are and are not considered appropriate pastry fillers. Should we all be taking a closer look at why some animals are casually seen as meat, while the thought of others being turned into steak triggers such an emotional reaction?

Comedy, Controversy…or Both?

They say that “all publicity is good publicity,” and while there will always be those who find no wiggle room in the subject of cat or dog meat for a joke, there’s nothing quite like a shock campaign to get attention. Whether it’s a tasty treat, a good cause, or an important discussion, as long as no cats or dogs are harmed in the process, we’re here for it!

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