Robot Should Replace Punxsutawney Phil: PETA

PETA has taken on the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, alleging that the famous clairvoyant groundhog is abused by the annual festivities and suggesting it be replaced with a robot. In a letter, a PETA representative claims that the crowds, flashbulbs from cameras, and handling involved in Groundhog Day stress out poor Punxsutawney Phil. PETA suggests using an "animatronic" groundhog instead.

The president of the Groundhog Club responded that Phil is kept in a climate-controlled environment year-round where his every need is attended to, reports USA Today. Phil, in fact, enjoys a standard of living "better than the average child in Pennsylvania," says Bill Deeley. (More groundhog day stories.)