PETA

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Formation	1980
Type	Nonprofit organization
Headquarters	Norfolk, Virginia, USA
President	Ingrid Newkirk

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to animal rights. Founded in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco, the organization is based in Norfolk, Virginia, and operates globally. PETA is known for its aggressive media campaigns, undercover investigations, and public protests aimed at promoting veganism and ending what it perceives as the abuse of animals in the food, fashion, entertainment, and research industries.

History

PETA was established in March 1980 by animal rights activists Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco. The organization first gained widespread attention in 1981 during what became known as the Silver Spring monkeys case, a campaign to release monkeys from a research facility in Maryland. This case led to the first arrest and criminal conviction of an animal experimenter in the United States on charges of cruelty to animals, and it significantly increased public awareness of PETA's animal rights agenda.

Philosophy and Tactics

PETA's philosophy is based on the principle that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way. Influenced by the work of Peter Singer and his seminal book Animal Liberation, PETA supports a vegan lifestyle and opposes all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty.

The organization is known for its provocative tactics, which include graphic advertising campaigns, public demonstrations, and undercover investigations. These tactics have often been a subject of controversy and debate, drawing both praise for raising awareness and criticism for their methods.

Campaigns and Initiatives

PETA engages in a wide range of campaigns that target various industries:

• The food industry, advocating for a vegan diet and protesting against factory farming practices.
• The fashion industry, opposing the use of fur, leather, wool, and other animal-derived materials.
• The entertainment industry, campaigning against the use of animals in circuses, films, and zoos.
• The scientific community, promoting alternatives to animal testing and research.

Impact and Criticism

PETA has been influential in bringing animal rights issues to public attention. Its campaigns have led to changes in corporate practices and legislative action worldwide. However, the organization has also faced criticism from various quarters, including accusations of extremism, prioritizing publicity over animal welfare, and alienating potential allies.

See Also

• Animal rights
• Animal welfare
• Veganism
• Ethical veganism