My 2 Cents on PETA

June 23, 2004

I agree with some of the others who have said that PETA uses some

unusual tactics at times. I think they use almost anything they can

to achieve their ends. Many of these tactics get the attention of

people who would otherwise ignore animal issues.

PETA isn't afraid to take on some really tough targets. A few

examples:

· Campaigns against the March of Dimes because of its cruel

animal testing, including getting some of its large corporate

sponsors to require that their donations not be used for animal

experimentation;

· Persuading Mc Donald's, Burger King and Wendy's to ask for

improved treatment of the factory-farmed animals they use. Currently

working on KFC;

· Undercover investigations into conditions in laboratories and

on farms and ranches, including one in Oklahoma which led to the

manager of a pig farm being charged with four counts of felony animal

cruelty;

· Persuading the US Congress to spend four million dollars to

develop non-animal tests;

· Working to reduce corporations' and the government's use of

animal tests;

· Working with other AR groups and sanctuaries to rescue as

many chickens as possible in an " egg factory " where the building had

collapsed, and the owners' response was to bulldoze it all, including

the live chickens;

· Working to end the use of animals in circuses, rodeos and

other performances where they are treated cruelly;

· Community outreach activities, including a free/low cost

spay/neuter clinic at their headquarters.

Comparing PETA's use of funds with that of other animal rights and

welfare organizations finds PETA's executives at the " poverty level "

when compared with those of many other large organizations. For

example, the Humane Society of the United States employs eight

executives at compensation levels over $100,000 (salary, benefits and

expense accounts), including Paul Irwin, at over $280,000; John

Stevenson of NorthShore Animal League earns over $350,000. Contrast

these amounts with Ingrid Newkirk, founder and director of PETA, at

around $30,000. (Source: Animal People, " The Watchdog " , November

2001)

PETA isn't perfect, and they do some things I don't agree with, but

in general, I think they have accomplished more for animals than any

other single group, they are courageous in the causes they take up,

and they work for the animals, rather for their own financial gain.

I recently had an opportunity to visit PETA headquarters in Norfolk,

VA. I was very impressed with the work they are doing and with the

commitment and energy of their staff. These people are dedicating

their lives to helping animals, working long hours every day, with

very little monetary reward. I never question their intentions.

Once in a while, I am surprised by some of the tactics, but those

tactics get attention for animal issues, and that's what is making a

difference.

Karen

June 25, 2004

Karen,

Thanks for that; I was wondering about the compensation arrangements etc. Peta has made a difference, and I will continue to support them!

Julie

kmeldrum [kmeldrum] Wednesday, June 23, 2004 11:41 AM Subject: My 2 Cents on PETAI agree with some of the others who have said that PETA uses some unusual tactics at times. I think they use almost anything they can to achieve their ends. Many of these tactics get the attention of people who would otherwise ignore animal issues.PETA isn't afraid to take on some really tough targets. A few examples: · Campaigns against the March of Dimes because of its cruel animal testing, including getting some of its large corporate sponsors to require that their donations not be used for animal experimentation;· Persuading Mc Donald's, Burger King and Wendy's to ask for improved treatment of the factory-farmed animals they use. Currently working on KFC;· Undercover investigations into conditions in laboratories and on farms and ranches, including one in Oklahoma which led to the manager of a pig farm being charged with four counts of felony animal cruelty;· Persuading the US Congress to spend four million dollars to develop non-animal tests;· Working to reduce corporations' and the government's use of animal tests;· Working with other AR groups and sanctuaries to rescue as many chickens as possible in an "egg factory" where the building had collapsed, and the owners' response was to bulldoze it all, including the live chickens;· Working to end the use of animals in circuses, rodeos and other performances where they are treated cruelly;· Community outreach activities, including a free/low cost spay/neuter clinic at their headquarters.Comparing PETA's use of funds with that of other animal rights and welfare organizations finds PETA's executives at the "poverty level" when compared with those of many other large organizations. For example, the Humane Society of the United States employs eight executives at compensation levels over $100,000 (salary, benefits and expense accounts), including Paul Irwin, at over $280,000; John Stevenson of NorthShore Animal League earns over $350,000. Contrast these amounts with Ingrid Newkirk, founder and director of PETA, at around $30,000. (Source: Animal People, "The Watchdog", November 2001)PETA isn't perfect, and they do some things I don't agree with, but in general, I think they have accomplished more for animals than any other single group, they are courageous in the causes they take up, and they work for the animals, rather for their own financial gain. I recently had an opportunity to visit PETA headquarters in Norfolk, VA. I was very impressed with the work they are doing and with the commitment and energy of their staff. These people are dedicating their lives to helping animals, working long hours every day, with very little monetary reward. I never question their intentions. Once in a while, I am surprised by some of the tactics, but those tactics get attention for animal issues, and that's what is making a difference.KarenBAY AREA VEGETARIANS (BAV) is a community group for veggies to network & find support. Event Calendar, Charter, FAQ and More!http://www.bayareaveg.org/Bookmark this page! Don't miss local events!http://www.bayareaveg.org/events.php