PETA plans to make presence at Joey Chestnut's comeback in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

Competitive eater Patrick 'Deep Dish' Bertoletti joins 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss his preparation for this year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest and defending his title against 16-time winner Joey Chestnut.

Joey Chestnut's return to Coney Island on the Fourth of July may come with somewhat of a wrinkle.

Chestnut was ineligible to compete in last year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest following a dispute stemming from his signing with Impossible Foods.

However, with weeks to spare, the sides all worked out a deal to get the GOAT of competitive eating back in Brooklyn on Independence Day.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

General view of the stage during the 2022 Nathans Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2022 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

However, Chestnut will be joined by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

In a press release sent to Fox News Digital, PETA said that "Tommy Tofu and his PETA pals will be right there at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, distributing hundreds of tasty vegan hot dogs as they challenge hungry spectators to enjoy a free, flavorful Fourth that is also animal-friendly."

"Vegan hot dogs are delicious and kind, and who really wants to support slaughterhouses -- the word is enough -- by buying what comes out of them," PETA executive Tracy Reiman said to TMZ. "PETA encourages everyone to let freedom ring for all by leaving animals in peace this Fourth of July and beyond."

A person holds a banner standing for Joey Chestnut during Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs Eating Contest, which takes place annually at Coney Island, on Independence Day in New York on July 4, 2024.