I must begin this post by saying that I usually try to avoid perpetuating or repeating messages that I don't agree with. One of the worst things you can do is provide additional publicity to an idea that contradicts yours. It's ineffective. However, I feel compelled to write about PETA's protest of last week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. With its "any publicity is good publicity" approach, the animal rights group manned a table outside of the show with a banner that read, "Welcome AKC Members" with AKC crossed out and KKK written above it. The protesters dressed as KKK members and handed out brochures that explained how the American Kennel Club is attempting to create a "doggie master race" while millions of animals die in shelters each year. PETA's protest frustrates me for several reasons:- Small, responsible breeders are not the problem.
- It's so disheartening because PETA's actions are not productive. If the organization really wanted to protect animals, it would use its resources to push legislation to shut down puppy mills... not stand outside of the Westminster dog show dressed as KKK members. Come on.
- PETA's provocative, extreme, media-hungry approach actually undermines the animal protection movement. How is it beneficial for the general public to think all animal advocates are crazy? How does it build public support and help drive people to take action? PETA's antics just backfire and give all people who care about animals a bad name.
At the end of the day, how does this help protect animals? Similarly, is it productive to be infamous for throwing red paint on fur coats or launching a campaign to rename fish 'sea kittens'?
It doesn't - and let it be known that PETA does not speak for all animal advocates.
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6 comments:
Speaking as a member of the general public, I totally don't let PETA color my perception of all animal rights activists. I let things like this ridiculous demonstration color my perception of PETA... those people are crazy!
Yay for sane animal lovers like yourself!
that is very refreshing to know Abby! :o) I wish more people thought like that!!
I disagree that PETA undermines the animal rights movement. There would be no movement to begin with if it were not for PETA. The the author is wrong on a few points, the first being that the issue is not about "small, responsible breeders". The AKC promotes the idea that mixed breeds are not loveable or desireable, thus discouraging the adoption of mixed breeds.
Bringing an end to the millions of deaths every year starts with a multifaceted approach. There needs to be a pardigm shift in attitudes towards dogs, that they are ALL created equal. Thanks to the AKC, thousands that don't come out the "right" color are killed every year in eugenics campaigns.
Before attacking PETA, please educate yourself on the merrits of the issue.
Yes, PETA is outrageous, but their comparison of the AKC to the KKK is valid and legitimate and it makes people think. Many who claim to be "animal rights" are just too cowardly to take a stand and endure the uncomfortability of the backlash that occurs with any movement.
Anonymous - Thanks for responding. I appreciate your perspective and do agree with you to some extent. It's absolutely true that there needs to be a shift in how people view dogs so potential adopters first visit shelters to find a dog. I also agree that there needs to be a multifaceted approach to bring an end to the needless deaths of animals.
However, I disagree with the approach. The comparison is not legitimate and instead of making people think, it just distracts them. When you want to change public perception or make a real change, merely making a lot of noise and getting publicity isn't exactly the best strategy.
Many people turn to puppy mill breeders to get purebred dogs - so it's more productive to shut those down and raise awareness of how those dogs are treated.
I also disagree with the point that "many who claim to be "animal rights" are just too cowardly to take a stand and endure the uncomfortability of the backlash that occurs with any movement."
Yes, backlash occurs with any movement. But the kind of uncomfortability you refer to doesn't have to occur - and it's possible to take a stand without driving away prospective supporters with outrageous tactics.
Also, taking a multifaceted approach to any issue is FAR more complicated than engaging in these kinds of protests.
Without broad support (public, policymakers, etc.) it's impossible to make measurable, lasting change for animals.
Hey, if it weren't for Peta, we wouldn't be talking about animal welfare at all. Animals wouldn't be on the public agenda!
And anyways, you don't mention in your blog any response to Peta's main concern: the millions of pets languishing in shelters. What about that, huh? What are animal lovers doing to provide homes for the millions of animals who will be otherwise euthanized. There is no excuse for buying a purebred when there are so many beautiful dogs about to go to the killing chamber for want of a home.
Thank goodness SOMEONE is out there talking up this issue, and it's Peta.
As I mentioned before, merely talking up the issue doesn't help. PETA absolutely helps put animal welfare on the public agenda, but look at the public's perception of the organization. Do policymakers (or people who want to get a dog and often turn to puppy mill breeders) listen to them? Not so much.
There is no excuse for buying a purebred when there are so many beautiful dogs about to go to the killing chamber for want of a home.
You are absolutely right, I agree 100%. But organizations like the HSUS or Best Friends make measurable change by shutting down puppy mills, instituting spay/neuter programs and raising awareness about the importance of adoption in a way that resonates with the public.
you don't mention in your blog any response to Peta's main concern: the millions of pets languishing in shelters. What about that, huh?
This is a concern shared by all animal advocates and animal protection organizations. My point is that the tactic PETA used at the AKC Westminster show does NOT help lower the number of animals languishing in shelters. I just feel it is more productive to appeal to the public, understand their values and get them to listen to the issue... and dressing like a KKK member merely scares them off.
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