The veggie-eating hit-maker Joan Jett (along with her Blackhearts) has been selected to play atop a particular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade float, and some ranchers and farmers don’t seem to be too thrilled about the idea. Actually, they’re pretty ticked off.

What could possibly go wrong with the lady who helped produce hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “Crimson and Clover”? Well, aside from being able to totally rock out, Joan has also spoken out about animal rights and is known to be a vegetarian.

Jett was selected to sail atop the South Dakota float, which is meant to boost tourism for the state and also help promote its Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Some farmers and ranchers of South Dakota disagree with the decision to place Joan Jett on the South Dakota float. Corey Eich, the president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, expressed his opposition to the choice:

“Her stands don’t mesh with South Dakota,” he said. He further added, “To me, it seems like a huge blunder. I guess I couldn’t disapprove more. I don’t understand what they were thinking.”

Cory Eich continued to throw it on and expressed his belief that PETA wanted to destroy animal agriculture. He defended the industry by adding that animals are treated well: “You don’t mistreat your livelihood,” Eich stated.

As Macy’s gets ready for its 87th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, Jim Hagen, South Dakota’s Tourism Secretary, reported that a lot of people thought the state officials had chosen Joan Jett for the float. Hagen reported that some of the other artists they had chosen were not available for the float, and so Macy’s made the decision. Hagen seemed to be understanding about Macy’s decision to use the singer:

“It’s not because of any ill will Macy’s is trying to create or anything. They were just trying to do what they thought would be a great artist for us.”

Sources via CBS News

Images via Wikimedia Commons