Turkeys shouldn't need a pardon since they're not criminals ... but, maybe one day the president will pardon them all -- so hopes a prominent animal activist.

Ellie Laks -- founder of The Gentle Barn , a foundation that promotes the humane treatment of animals -- joined us on "TMZ Live" to discuss turkeys ... including the annual tradition of the Commander in Chief letting two turkeys live as millions of others become the main course on Thanksgiving.

Laks -- known in some circles as a "Turkey Whisperer" of sorts -- says it breaks her heart that so many turkeys are killed each year ... rolling her eyes at the gimmick where POTUS issues the pardon.

Turkeys are "innocent, and they're pure and they're beautiful," Laks argues ... and, she's just waiting on the day when the prez decides

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