In July 2015, animal rights group, “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals” filed
a lawsuit against the Miami Seaquarium.
The suit alleged that their captive killer whale, Lolita, lived in cramped and isolated
conditions.
Through the years, PETA has had varying degrees of influence over public opinion towards animal
welfare.
So, just how powerful is PETA?
Well, animal welfare groups have existed since the 19th century, but few have been as internationally
famous as PETA.
The group was originally founded in 1980 and attracted national attention when key members
took photos exposing squalid animal testing facilities.
Their actions put PETA on the map and resulted in the 1985 Animal Welfare Act amendment.
This reformed medical testing standards on animals, and was one of the most significant
pieces of animal rights legislation since the mid 1960s.
PETA’s photographs of animal cruelty also led to landmark criminal investigations against
lab workers, and the first ever police raid of a US animal-testing facility.
Today, the non-profit organization claims hundreds of employees and 3 million members
and supporters worldwide, with branches in the US, the UK, Australia and India.
Their ultimate goal is to reinforce the idea that “animals are not ours to eat, wear,
experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way.”
The organization works to educate people, improve animal rights laws, investigate abuse,
and rescue animals.
They regularly make global headlines with splashy, celebrity-driven campaigns.
But many of their methods draw controversy.
Ads featuring nude celebrities saying “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” have been
called overly-sexual.
And PETA has been widely criticized for exaggerating and sensationalizing animal rights issues.
In one case, a PETA exhibit compared slaughtered animals to Holocaust victims, and in another
exhibit, to African slaves.
But PETA’s founder, Ingrid Newkirk has defended the group’s methods, saying “We would
be worthless if we were just polite and didn't make any waves.”
Additionally, PETA has been accused of killing more homeless dogs and cats than other shelters.
However PETA maintains that humane euthanasia is sometimes their only option.
Despite some bad press, PETA’s had enormous success over the years.
Countless celebrities, including Pamela Anderson, Kesha and Justin Bieber have contributed their
time and money to the organization.
PETA reportedly makes about $50 million dollars per year in revenue, making them one of the
highest-grossing animal welfare groups ever.
PETA stands out as one of the most widely-known, and influential animal rights organizations.
They’ve been responsible for more products being labeled “cruelty free” or “not
tested on animals.”
They’ve dissuaded popular fashion designers, like Calvin Klein, from using fur in clothing.
PETA has also caused fast food chains and oil corporations to reform their harmful actions
towards animals.
But overall, PETA’s real power lies in their devotion to keeping animal rights on the forefront
of public awareness.
PETA wants Lolita at the Miami Seaquarium to be set free into the wild - but is that
a good idea?
Julia at DNews answers what really happens to whales and dolphins that were raised in
captivity and then let loose into the ocean.
We’ll see you next time!
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