PETA Going After Ohio Groundhog Day Event

Groundhog Club President Jeff Lundy interacts with Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 136th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

MARION, Ohio (News Talk 1480 WHBC and ONN) – Thursday is Groundhog Day.

But the Ohio version of the annual event may have a different look.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is telling Marion Ohio sponsor of the event WMRN Radio that they should no longer feature a live groundhog as supplied by Kokas Exotics.

That’s a Marion County company that breeds exotic animals but has also racked up a slew of citations for animal welfare violations.

The Thursday morning event at the radio station is set to go forward, but it remains to be seen what the groundhog handler will be holding.