Kentwood, Michigan. (WOOD) - Animal rights activists are excited after learning that a Grand Rapids Metro coffee shop is hosting a live deer event.
Coffee Clubhouse owner Morgan Williams said the Kentwood shop received several voicemails and messages from PETA supporters Wednesday about a "Meet the Dirt" event planned for next week.
"They came out in a panic. I had to turn off the phones. We received over 40 calls in one hour threatening and harassing my wonderful staff," Williams said.
"Wait a minute," Williams told the waiter. "Then he hung up on me."
Debbie Metzler, PETA's director of captive animal welfare, said Coffee Clubhouse is one of two dozen companies that have contacted the group this year about concerns about deer.
Metzler told News 8: "Deer are tundra animals. They migrate over 1,000 miles over snow and ice and cannot be tied to Santa's sleigh or used for photographs. They are wild animals."
Williams said Meet the Deer is designed to spread fun and education during the holiday season and benefit another West Michigan business, GG Deer Farm.
"They help kids learn about deer all the time," Williams said. "(The farm owners explain) they (the deer) don't feel cold because they are out there. They are made for this type of weather. This is what they like and don't like to eat.
Metzler said PETA could organize a protest at the event, although nothing is planned yet.
"There's really nothing planned," he said. But online business is very easy for people. "It's fast and very effective."
But the bar said some of the calls and messages were threatening, prompting it to turn off its phones and comment on social media.
"(The caller) told her that she (the employee) was a bad mother and that her children would be like her, calling her names and yelling at her," one caller said. "We are wondering if these threats are empty or if they are simply trying to harass us. Most of these calls are coming from people who do not live in Michigan, and certainly not from the Grand Rapids area."
PETA said it contacted Williams and her team earlier this month to cancel the upcoming event.
"We always meet behind the scenes to give our fans a chance to respond before alerting them," Metzler said. “We know that some callers can be a little rude. They use their passion. So we cannot be responsible for this, but we kindly ask you to stay. And we don't consider it harassment. We believe that people simply express their opinions.
Williams said the coffee shop decided not to respond to PETA's earlier message. Despite pressure from PETA supporters, a first-of-its-kind event will take place in West Michigan on Tuesday. It is held in the back of the business, where the deer can hang out on the grass.
"We're really concerned about the deer," Williams said. "That's why we try to educate people and spread love and happiness."
Williams Bar plans to have one or two police officers at the event to make sure everyone feels safe.
Events for Santa Claus and the Polar Express are also planned in the bar's clubhouse, which features an indoor play area for children.
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