Radio talk-show host slaughters steer in protest of PETA

CAMERON, W.Va. -- When Mike Gallagher finally came face-to-snout with the 4-year-old steer he had ordered killed, the syndicated radio talk-show host wavered.

Gallagher, incensed by an anti-milk campaign from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, planned to slaughter the steer named Old Blue and air its execution on his show.

He looked into Old Blue's furry white face and big black eyes Wednesday evening. ''Oh, I don't want to look at him,'' Gallagher said, turning away, then glancing back.

''I'm seriously thinking maybe we shouldn't do this. ... I really can't bail out now, can I? Would people be mad if I backed out?'' Gallagher asked his producer. ''Maybe we can give him a reprieve.''

In the end, Old Blue was shot to death. Gallagher looked away.

Owner Dave Hall got a check for $850, charities and shelters in West Virginia will get 400 pounds of meat and Gallagher got the satisfaction of pulling an anti-PETA stunt.

PETA, based in Norfolk, Va., last week withdrew its ''Got Beer?'' campaign after Mothers Against Drunk Driving and conservatives like Gallagher charged that it encouraged underage drinking.