Karen Davis, PhD, the President and Founder of United Poultry Concerns has passed away. After a long illness, she passed away peacefully on the morning of November 4, 2023, at the UPC sanctuary in Machipongo surrounded by her beloved birds.
She has been a leading figure in the Animal Rights movement, passionately, tirelessly, and unapologetically advocating for the birds. She has been an inspiration to many of us. Her vision and legacy will continue through the UPC sanctuary at Machipongo, VA, and vegan advocacy work to promote the UPC mission.
The Mirror will miss her deeply. There was no one that we respected more than Karen Davis.
UPC invites friends, colleagues, and fellow advocates to join them in a memorial service at the UPC sanctuary to celebrate Karen’s extraordinary life and legacy. Together, let us remember her as a beacon of compassion, a trailblazer in the fight for animal rights, and a beloved friend.
Memorial Service Details:
- Date: Saturday, November 25th, 2023
- Time: 1-4 PM
- Location: 12325 Seaside Rd, Machipongo, VA 23405
Please RSVP to Liqin Cao at liqin@upc-online.org.
Karen Davis, PhD was the President and Founder of United Poultry Concerns, a nonprofit organization that promotes the compassionate and respectful treatment of domesticated birds including a sanctuary for chickens in Virginia. Inducted into the National Animal Rights Hall of Fame for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Liberation, Karen was the author of numerous books, essays, articles, and campaigns. Her latest book is For the Birds – From Exploitation to Liberation: Essays on Chickens, Turkeys, and Other Domesticated Fowl.
See Animal Activism Mentorship’s reflection on Karen:
Rest in Peace Karen Davis
Animals 24-7 article on Karen’s pivotal role in the Animal Rights movement:
Karen Davis, Ph.D., United Poultry Concerns founder, dead at 79
Pamela Rice shares her memories of Karen:
Karen Davis was my mentor . . .
The Washington Post:
Karen Davis, animal rights advocate who spoke for the birds, dies at 79
The Cape Charles Wave:
I shall celebrate by frying up some good ol home cooked chicken.
Ms. Davis was a lovely person and a pioneer. She seemed never to get tired. May we regard her as an example of how a dedicated person can make a difference in eliminating abuse of animals of all kinds, particularly poultry and farm animals.
Wayne, A very nice tribute to Karen Davis. Your link back to the 2015 article in the CC Wave really completed the tribute.
Thank you for your continued care and contribution to the Eastern Shore in all areas. Your work and dedication in producing the Mirror is an amazing asset to all of us!
Very Best
Bob
A Liberal Loon.