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.
Posts
