People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA; stylized PeTA) is an American animal rights organization, founded on 22 March 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk Ingrid E. Newkirk is a British animal rights activist and the president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the world's largest animal rights organization. She is the author of several books, including Making Kind Choices and The PETA Practical Guide to Animal Rights: Simple A…Ingrid Newkirk
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Where can I find media about people for the Ethical Treatment of animals?
· People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is founded On August 21, 1980, animal rights advocates Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco found People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
When was the first animal rights organization founded?
PETA was founded in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco, who were influenced by Australian ethicist Peter Singer’s book Animal Liberation (1975). PETA’s earliest efforts included exposure of and litigation against government and private …
What is the American Society for the prevention of Cruelty to animals?
· On August 21, 1980, animal rights advocates Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco found People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Rising from humble beginnings, PETA will …
How did Boba Newkirk start people for the Ethical Treatment of animals?
· People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is founded. On August 21, 1980, animal rights advocates Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco found People for the Ethical …
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Expenses: $64,212,553. Assets: $19,838,054. Formation: 1980. President: Ingrid Newkirk. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA, sometimes styled PeTA) is one of the world’s …
Who was the first woman to join the Ethical Treatment of Animals?
Newkirk read Peter Singer 's influential book, Animal Liberation (1975), and in March 1980, she persuaded Pacheco to join her in forming People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, at that point just "five people in a basement," as Newkirk described it.
What animals were confiscated by PETA?
In 2018, police raided a PetSmart store in Tennessee, after receiving video footage from PETA. Police confiscated six animals: a guinea pig, mice, and hamsters.
Why is PETA ag-gag?
states have passed ag-gag laws in order to prevent animal rights and animal welfare groups from conducting undercover investigations of operations that use animals. In response, PETA has been involved with other groups bringing lawsuits, citing First Amendment protections for free speech.
What animal is writhing in a restaurant?
CBS News reported in November 2016 that PETA had captured footage from restaurants that serve live octopus, shrimp, and other marine animals. The group's video showed "an octopus writhing as its limbs are severed by a chef at T Equals Fish, a Koreatown sushi restaurant in Los Angeles." PETA noted that octopuses "are considered among the most intelligent invertebrates" and "are capable of feeling pain just as a pig or rabbit would."
Who was Steve Asmussen's trainer?
Noted trainer Steve Asmussen and his top assistant trainer, Scott Blasi, were accused "of subjecting their horses to cruel and injurious treatments, administering drugs to them for nontherapeutic purposes, and having one of their jockeys use an electrical device to shock horses into running faster.".
What companies are boycotting PETA?
In the animal-testing industry, PETA's consumer boycotts have focused on Avon, Benetton, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Chesebrough-Pond's, Dow Chemical, General Motors, and others. The group's modus operandi includes buying shares in target companies such as McDonald's and Kraft Foods in order to exert influence. The campaigns have delivered results for PETA. McDonald's and Wendy's introduced vegetarian options after PETA targeted them; and Polo Ralph Lauren said it would no longer use fur. Avon, Estée Lauder, Benetton, and Tonka Toy Co. all stopped testing products on animals, the Pentagon stopped shooting pigs and goats in wounds tests, and a slaughterhouse in Texas was closed down.
What is the PETA movement?
PETA is an animal rights organization that opposes speciesism, and the abuse of animals in any way, such as for food, clothing, entertainment, or research. PETA lobbies government agencies to impose fines and/or confiscate animals when animal-welfare legislation has been violated, promotes a vegan lifestyle, tries to reform practices on factory farms and in slaughterhouses, sends undercover investigators into animal-research laboratories, farms, and circuses, initiates media campaigns against particular companies or practices, helps to find sanctuaries for animals formerly used by circuses and zoos, and initiates lawsuits against companies that refuse to change their practices. The group has been criticized by some animal rights advocates for its willingness to work with industries that use animals for the purpose of affecting gradual change. Newkirk rejects this criticism and has said the group exists to hold the radical line.
How did PETA change public attitudes toward animal rights?
PETA attempted to alter public attitudes toward animal rightsby means of creative advertising campaigns that, while serious in their message, contained humorous and spooflike elements. The organization fought against “speciesism,” arguing that animals have rights in proportion to their “interests” and that those rights should be respected and protected. As PETA explained it, an animal, like a human, has an interest, for example, in not experiencing pain unnecessarily. Thus, that interest should be respected, and an animal’s right not to have unnecessary pain inflicted should be protected.
Who is the cofounder of PETA?
Ingrid Newkirk, cofounder of PETA. Courtesy of PETA/© Kathy Keeney. PETA also targeted other areas of commerce closely associated with animal abuse. The organization’s concern over the misuse of animals for their fur in the fashion industry, for example, prompted many industry leaders, including Georgio Armani, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren, ...
What is a PETA?
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), nongovernmental organization(NGO) committed to ending abusive treatment of animalsin business and society and promoting consideration of animal interests in everyday decision makingand general policies and practices.
What is the argument of the PETA?
The organization fought against “ speciesism ,” arguing that animals have rights in proportion to their “interests” and that those rights should be respected and protected. As PETA explained it, an animal, like a human, has an interest, for example, in not experiencing pain unnecessarily.
What is PETA in business?
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), nongovernmental organization (NGO) committed to ending abusive treatment of animals in business and society and promoting consideration of animal interests in everyday decision making and general policies and practices. PETA demonstrator.
What is an animal kingdom?
animal, (kingdom Animalia), any of a group of multicellular eukaryotic organisms (i.e., as distinct from bacteria, their deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is contained in a membrane-bound nucleus). They are thought to have evolved independently from the unicellular eukaryotes. Animals differ from members of the two other kingdoms of multicellular eukaryotes,…
Who founded People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals?
On August 21, 1980, animal rights advocates Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco found People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Rising from humble beginnings, PETA will soon become the world’s foremost and most controversial animal rights organization.
Why did Pacheco work for PETA?
PETA’s first major campaign came the following year, when Pacheco got a job at a research facility in Silver Spring, Maryland in order to expose the experiments being conducted on monkeys there. PETA distributed photos of the monkeys being kept in horrific conditions, leading to a police raid and, eventually, the first-ever conviction of a researcher on animal-cruelty charges.
Why is PETA criticized?
PETA has been criticized from all sides—many believe them to be extremists and find their methods distasteful, while other activists criticize PETA’s willingness to work with corporations in industries like fast food or fashion to make incremental improvements to animal welfare. Still others within the animal rights movement argue that PETA plays an outsized role, focusing attention on media controversies instead of concrete changes.
Who founded PETA?
PETA was founded in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk, an animal shelter official in the District of Columbia,#N#[8]#N#and Alex Pacheco , a “direct action” activist who sailed with the piratical Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.#N#[9]#N#They were reportedly motivated by the publication of the manifesto Animal Liberation by the controversial Australian philosopher Peter Singer, which outlined a radical interpretation of animal rights.#N#[10]
What was PETA associated with?
During the 1990s and early 2000s, evidence surfaced that indicated PETA had associated with eco-terrorist extremists , especially the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). In 1989 and 1990, PETA reportedly functioned as “spokesgroup” for the ALF.#N#[13]#N#PETA co-founder and president Ingrid Newkirk has said, “I will be the last person to condemn ALF.”#N#[14]
Who took heat over claims it killed 90% of animals dropped off at Virginia Shelter?
Quan, Kristene. “PETA Takes Heat over Claims it Killed 90% of Animals Dropped off at Virginia Shelter.” Time. April 09, 2013. Accessed October 11, 2017. http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/04/09/peta-takes-heat-over-claims-it-killed-90-of-animals-dropped-off-at-virginia-shelter/ . ^
Is PETA a nonprofit?
PETA has a supporting nonprofit organization, the Foundation to Support Animal Protection (also known as the PETA Foundation ). The foundation of animal liberation activist divorcee Nanci Alexander provided over $20 million in contributions to the PETA Foundation.#N#[77]#N#Alexander’s foundation continues to make seven-figure contributions to PETA, making a $1.5 million grant to the organization in 2015.#N#[78]
What was the animal rights movement?
The animal rights movement emerged during the 1970s, partly in response to the publication of Animal Liberation by Peter Singer in 1975. This volume, while not fully consistent with the modern animal rights movement, proposed the concept of "speciesism," defined as discrimination against a particular being based solely on the species to which it belongs. As a philosopher, Singer took the position that human suffering and animal suffering are equal evils and that the use of animals for human food cannot be justified, since it requires animal suffering. Singer's overall perspective was actually rather pragmatic, proposing veganism as a lifestyle, but acknowledging the necessity of some animal experiments for medical purposes.
What is the largest animal rights organization in the world?
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, often referred to simply as PETA, is the largest animal rights organization in the world, claiming more than 700,000 members. Founded in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco, the group supports "total animal liberation," opposing the use of animals for food, research, entertainment, and even as assistance dogs for the physically disabled. The group is well known for its outrageous publicity stunts, controversial advertisements, and an ongoing string of inflammatory public statements from its leaders. It has frequently been criticized for its use of heavy-handed tactics and has been linked to several acts of animal rights violence. PETA currently has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.
What is PETA targeting?
PETA targets children with its "Your Mommy Kills Animals" campaign.
Who wrote Animal Liberation?
Peter Singer writes Animal Liberation, setting the stage for the animal rights movement.
What is the PETA campaign?
In trying to rid the world of fur coats and similar clothing, PETA has taken a two-pronged approach. The group's long-running and popular "I'd rather go naked than wear fur" campaign features celebrities in various states of undress and puts an attractive face on the anti-fur effort. In sharp contrast, in 2003 the group launched a campaign targeting children of parents who wear fur. This campaign stationed PETA workers outside performances of "The Nutcracker" ballet. When the activists observed a woman wearing fur, they would hand the woman's child a flier which featured a photo of a woman stabbing a rabbit with a knife, along with the words "Your Mommy Kills Animals." Child psychologists criticized the tactics as manipulative.
Who is the president of PETA?
PETA President Ingrid Newkirk, in particular, has a well-earned reputation for radical invective, offering a seemingly endless stream of startling sound-bites. In 1988, she told Harpers Magazine that she did not believe in pets; rather humans and animals should live separately. In 1989, she told Vogue magazine that even if animal research produced a cure for AIDS, PETA would oppose it. In a 1990 Readers' Digest interview, she likened mankind to a cancer, blighting the planet. Perhaps the most famous of Newkirk's statements came after Palestinians loaded a donkey with explosives and sent it into Jerusalem on a suicide mission. No humans died in the explosion, but Newkirk posted a letter to Yasser Arafat, asking that his group "leave the animals out of this conflict." When asked later if she would petition Arafat to stop killing human beings, Newkirk responded, "It's not my business to inject myself into human wars."
What is the purpose of PETA?
Since its founding, PETA has taken the position that animals and human beings are equally valuable, thus criminalizing any human activity that takes advantage of, or creates "suffering" for, an animal. In advancing this radical viewpoint, PETA has employed a variety of tactics, many designed to elicit shock and attract maximum attention. PETA's earliest tactics included protests, picketing, and throwing blood on fur coat owners. In the years since, PETA has been linked to far more extreme tactics.
Which companies have adopted stricter animal slaughter guidelines?
Burger King and Wendy’s followed suit within a year’s time, and within two years, Safeway, Kroger, and Albertsons had also agreed to adopt stricter guidelines in order to improve the lives of billions of animals who are slaughtered for food.
What did PETA discover about the Florida animal training school?
PETA’s undercover investigation of a Florida exotic-animal “training school,” which revealed that big cats were being beaten with ax handles, encouraged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop new regulations governing animal-training methods. See other victories for animals who are used for entertainment.
Why did PETA stop selling birds?
Thanks to PETA’s lengthy campaign to push PETCO to take more responsibility for the animals in its stores, the company agreed to stop selling large birds and to make provisions for the millions of rats and mice in its care. See other victories for abused companion animals.
What are the successes of PETA?
PETA has made groundbreaking advances for animals who are abused by corporations, governments, and individuals throughout the world, and these successes have led to dramatic improvements in the lives of millions of individual animals.
What companies did PETA persuade to do?
PETA persuaded more than a dozen companies, including Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, to make the abusive and pointless forced swim test a thing of the past. Laboratories conduct these experiments by dosing mice, rats, guinea pigs, gerbils, or hamsters with a test substance, dropping them into inescapable containers of water, and watching as the petrified animals frantically look for an escape. See other victories for animals who are used in experiments.
Why is PETA important?
And every victory is important and celebrated, from the smallest mouse spared a horrific death in a glue trap to the thousands of cows, pigs, chickens, and fish whose lives are saved every time someone goes vegetarian.
What was the first case of PETA?
PETA’s first case—the precedent-setting 1981 Silver Spring monkeys case —resulted in the first arrest and criminal conviction of an animal experimenter in the U.S. on charges of cruelty to animals, the first confiscation of abused laboratory animals, and the first U.S. Supreme Court victory for animals in laboratories.
When did PETA start?
According to Harvard Professor of Social History Miley Ray Cyrus, PETA began in the dawn of the 1980's when people demanded something new to complain about. It was founded by actor Ingrid "Jamie" Newkirk in 1980 as an civil-strike faction of Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin. Newkirk is best known for her role as the Chicken Lady on In Living Color, and as the young Captain in the 2009 prequel to Star Trek .
What is the only organization in the world to bribe people with naked women, video games, and free food,
To date, PETA is the only organization in the world to bribe people with naked women, video games, and free food, yet fail miserably. But they keep trying.
Why do petaphiles have to wear cologne?
In countries with too many laws, known petaphiles are required to wear cow-scented cologne, in order to prevent them from being able to lure in unsuspecting vegans .
Overview
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is an American animal rights organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, and led by Ingrid Newkirk, its international president. The nonprofit corporation claims that PETA entities have more than 9 million members and supporters globally. Its slogan is "Animals are not ours to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way."
History
Ingrid Newkirk was born in England in 1949, and raised in Hertfordshire and later New Delhi, India, where her father—a navigational engineer—was stationed. Newkirk, now an atheist, was educated in a convent, the only British girl there. She moved to the United Statesas a teenager, first studying to become a stockbroker, but after taking some abandoned kittens to an animal shelter in 1…
Philosophy and activism
PETA is an animal rights organization that opposes speciesism, and the abuse of animals in any way, such as for food, clothing, entertainment, or research. PETA lobbies government agencies to impose fines and/or confiscate animals when animal-welfare legislation has been violated, promotes a vegan lifestyle, tries to reform practices on factory farms and in slaughterhouses, sends unde…
Positions
Newkirk is outspoken in her support of direct action, writing that no movement for social change has ever succeeded without what she calls the militarism component: "Thinkers may prepare revolutions, but bandits must carry them out." Newkirk is a strong supporter of direct action that removes animals from laboratories and other facilities: "When I hear of anyone walking into a lab and …
PETA India
PETA India was founded in 2000 and is based in Mumbai, India. It focuses on issues about animals in laboratories, the food industry, the leather trade, and entertainment."
PETA and NGO Animal Rahat, authorized by Animal Welfare Board of India, participated in a nine-month investigation of 16 circuses in India. After it was revealed that "animals used in circuses were subjected to chronic confinement, physical abuse, and psychological torment", AWBI in 20…
Domain name disputes
In February 1995, a parody website calling itself "People Eating Tasty Animals" registered the domain name "peta.org". PETA sued, claiming trademark violation, and won the suit in 2001; the domain is currently owned by PETA. While still engaged in legal proceedings over "peta.org", PETA themselves registered the domains "ringlingbrothers.com" and "voguemagazine.com", using the sites to accuse Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Vogueof animal cruelty. PETA l…
Position within the animal rights movement
The failure of PETA to condemn the Animal Liberation Front is a common complaint by other animal rights activists and groups.
The more radical activists say the group has lost touch with its grass-roots soldiers, is soft on the idea of animal rights, that it should stop the media stunts and their use of nudity, and stop "hogging the spotlight at the expense of its allies in the movement".
See also
• Direct Action Everywhere
• European Vegetarian Union
• International Vegetarian Union
• Mercy for Animals