hello ingrid,
first of all i would like to thank you for the last 'animal times' edition you sent to me! i received it some days ago here in france and it's so lovely with your photography on the front page! it was a really great moment when i opened the envelope!
now i have a question with a small problem - indeed! there are several things i would like to have, for example the dvd commented by julie christie and 'earthlings' etc. but i'm always afraid from the horrific animal abusing scenes inside because i love the animals so much and it happened to me when i saw a video which was smuggled out of a laboratory showing horrific animal abuse that i fainted with signs of epilepsy! actually i can't look at animal cruelty - i become mad and maybe i could go out and kill the animal abuser!!!!!! because i feel a real physical pain and i'm out of normal life for weaks! so for example i never look the videos appearing here on the blogs because i know my reactions too well and as i am already suffering from a strong feeling of misantropy i have to take much care what i'm doing! so i would like to ask you if there is shown some animal cruelty on the dvd! i have also the dvd of paul mccartney and friends and saw the first report on cows commented by pamela anderson which made me ill for months and still now i'm thinking on it every day! i'm not a coward but seeing these things makes me actually ill and i can't do anything against it! it's already very bad that i'm thinking day and night at the horrific daily animal abuse in this world! for this i admire you and the whole PETA team because you're daily confronted with these hideous things and are still alive! for this i wrote before in my comment about knowing Hans Ruesch personally that i understand his utterly difficult character and his reactions towards everyone of us because he had to live with this daily horror! i thank you in advance for your information and please accept my deepest thankful feelings for you and the whole PETA-Team! Claudia

Posted by: animalfriend | January 8, 2008 05:20 PM

I have many questions I'd love to ask, but the first one that comes to mind has to do with the relationship of Ingrid and the other co-founder of peta. He explains a lot in the documentary about the silver springs monkey case, and other aspects of peta. Why did he choose to leave peta after all those years? There were moments when I felt that he disliked a lot of the media ploys peta did (ie. when he points out that all the negative press came from Ingrid's ideas), although he was totally supportive of peta. Did he move on to another organization? I was surprised to see he left peta after such an extended amount of time.

Posted by: Melissa | January 8, 2008 05:44 PM

This looks like a great film, but WHY are you selling it on Amazon.com? I'm boycotting Amazon because they sell foie gras, and they behave like a huge unresponsive company with no interest in ethical issues like foie gras.

Posted by: claire | January 8, 2008 05:48 PM

Come mai nel 2008 esistono tali torture ancora? Come posso fare per aiutarvi?

Posted by: Cristian | January 8, 2008 05:51 PM

is there a PETA branch in Portland, Oregon? if so, where do I find it? Thanks! You do wonderful for all the animals! -bryan

Posted by: Bryan Alvord | January 8, 2008 05:51 PM

What about Vick reducing his jail time by going to rehab? This looks like a bait and switch like it was planned all along?? This
reduces his time to 12 months making him able to go back to the NFL?? WHO KNEW??

Posted by: Patsy Davis | January 8, 2008 06:02 PM

Oh hey, this is a nice opportunity!

Ms. Newkirk, first I must say that I became an activist / vegetarian at a time when it was considered very bizarre, and only PETA (And Howard Jones, LOL) were there to support me. I want to thank you for that.

My question is, would PETA consider a campaign to expose the markets that sell wildlife? I see exotic animals (especially in China and Japan)sold at markets all the time, in tiny cages and it's truly disturbing.

Some zoos right here in my area go to auction to buy these animals (from all over) and although it may fall into the environmental pervue, exposing poachers and smuggled wildlife is not being done by other groups.

I know that Wildlife Pimps discusses this issue, it never seems to make the front page of PETA's website and I would love if it did, especially since so many pet stores, zoos, private owners, restaurants and circuses buy these animals.

Thanks!

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | January 8, 2008 06:37 PM

I ordered my copy a few weeks ago and Amazon have just told me it's being mailed today which is great!!!!!

Posted by: John Carmody | January 8, 2008 06:48 PM

I have a few questions to ask you Ms. Newkirk.
First of all, I am hearing a lot about the hunting of harp seals in Canada and I would like to know if PETA is doing anything about that?
and my second question is in regard to the popularity of fur. I would like to know some of the current statistic on how the fur industry is going to see if we have made any impact at all.
Thank You.

Posted by: ngoc | January 8, 2008 07:54 PM

Dear Ingrid,

In order for us as members to be honest when asked about euthanasia, would you discuss PETA's use of euthanasia? Does PETA headquarters at Norfolk, VA euthanize animals? About how many animals does PETA euthanize every month or year? Does PETA carry out euthanasia for other shelters? If so, which shelters?

My sister works at our county humane society, which performs euthanasia, so I already understand that it unfortunately must remain for a while as "no kill" shelters cannot be the norm.

Thanks,

Owen

Posted by: Owen | January 8, 2008 09:43 PM

There are quite a few chain clothing stores that sell fur and fur trim.
How does PETA choose which ones to target for a campaign?

Posted by: peace | January 8, 2008 09:44 PM

I would like to ask Ingrid why Peta is not planning on selling From Dusk 'till Dawn, by Keith Mann. In the U.S. it is very hard to get a hold of and when I contacted Peta to request it they told me they had no plans to offer the book. Keith is featured in a DVD, Behind the Mask, which Peta offers so why not his book which covers similar subject matter as the DVD.

Posted by: Kelley | January 8, 2008 10:39 PM

I watched "Earthlings" a month and a half ago, along with "Chew On This" from PETA. I immediately became a vegetarian and haven't looked back. I have become active in many ways since that enlightening day.
Would it be effective for all of us to gather in one place to flex our strength and end one or more of these horrors (all preferably)?

Posted by: Michael Essi | January 8, 2008 11:00 PM

I would just like to ask Ingrid if PETA could spend a little more effort on the PetsMart Cruelty campaign...especially in light of the recent diseased birds fiasco.

That is all but being *ignored* by PETA, and makes me angry.

I was active on the Petco campaign. I asked Ingrid when she was in St. Louis for a book signing 2 or 3 years ago HOW they could monitor if Petco was not selling large birds per their agreement with PETA.

If I remember her answer correctly it was something along the lines of it could not be monitored.

So along with all my other pet store animal-selling concerns I would like to know IF and/or WHY she considers the PETCO campaign a "victory".

I admire and respect PETA as a fantastic organization that educates on the plight of all kinds of animal rights and concerns. I don't like that the organization is ridiculed for their stunts, when that is what makes people think.

But this animals in pet stores issue is my *pet* issue, so to speak , and I would like some answers.

Thanks :)

Posted by: Tamara | January 8, 2008 11:58 PM

I would like to comment on a question posted above by claire. Amazon.com not only sells foie gras, but also sells material that promotes and aids animal fighting. Amazon steadfastly refuses to stop selling these materials even in the face of lawsuits brought by other animal rights organizations. Do a simple search on their site for dog fighting. It seems if Michael Vick deserves to be the focus of a all out campaign against his actions so does Amazon. Maybe Jeff Bezos should take the peta animal compassion class Michael Vick took. It seems to me acceptable for peta to say "We can't fight every fight, we will let others do it for us, lawsuits are pending against Amazon so peta will step aside". But.... to do business with such a company as Amazon, even allowing them to place links on the peta site seems wrong to me. I think peta does great work but in this instance some rethinking of business relationships needs to be done. I have boycotted Amazon for quite awhile and have had no difficulty buying what I want online from other vendors.

Posted by: George | January 9, 2008 12:25 AM

I would love to know your stand on giving drugs to animals. No not testing but as a rescuer of animals including orphaned wildlife I get a lot in that need medical attention. Both my husband and I are vegans and have made that decision not to use drugs tested on animals but find it really hard when it is one of my animals that need drugs.

Where do you stand on this one, would you let your beloved dog die if it meant it had to have drugs tested on other animals??

Posted by: Sonia | January 9, 2008 03:41 AM

Dear Mrs Newkirk

i am a young boy disgusted and furoius with the worlds treatment to animals and i want to take action but there is no Australian peta branch.

Please inform me of ethier if there is going to ever be one and where it will be located i sugest Sydney

yours sincerly Bryce Craig

Posted by: Bryce Craig | January 9, 2008 05:21 AM

Dear Ingrid -
Is there any way that "Earthlings", or parts of that video, could be shown on TV or on HBO? Years ago, HBO showed an undercover film that is now off the market and no mention is ever made of it by HBO. Our protests are one thing, but documented film coverage is another, and if we could persuade HBO or even PBS or the networks to show a film about factory farming and slaughterhouses, many more people would become aware of how their meat is produced. Thank you for reading this.

Posted by: Susannah S | January 9, 2008 09:09 AM

When did you become a vegetarian/vegan and what exactly prompted you to make that decision?

Posted by: Richard | January 9, 2008 09:35 AM

John, by buying from Amazon you are supporting a company that sells foie gras. Does anyone in PETA care about this?

Posted by: claire | January 9, 2008 09:51 AM

What an interesting documentary - I was surprised at times, almost as if it was written against PETA. But, as with anything else, it seems Americans will respond only according to "shock value" anymore (sad)so your depiction and actions are totally on target. Please keep doing what you do!!!

Also, it would be nice to have more "Prrs & Grrs" on politicians especially with the upcoming elections. My question is this: I am concerned and was wondering if a story I read about Mike Huckabee is true - supposedly, he used his political connections to get his son "off" on charges of abusing a stray dog & hanging it to death. Can you confirm/address that? I think people would reconsider their vote if that is true - and who would think? I'm an independent who will be voting Democratic for Change, but I kind of respected Huckabee up until now. He has even had the guts to appear on Bill Maher's show/others and seemed like such a likable guy. It would be interesting - and a great judge of character over all the other "issues" - to find out how candidates actually feel about animals. If you can judge a society by the way it treats its animals (Ghandi) - it would be a great measure of a presidential candidate too! Their view on animals would pretty much say it all, as to whether they really are a "people" or "profit" personality and whether they would be a good, compassionate but strong president. (p.s., I am totally sick of officials giving Presidents "designer dogs" as gifts (i.e. "Barney") - it would be absolutely awesome to see our new president go to a shelter to adopt one in need instead!!!) Thanks.

Posted by: Karen M. | January 9, 2008 09:59 AM

I was just wondering when the next PETA meeting will be in NW Iowa so that a few of my friends and I could attend and learn more information about the organization.

Posted by: Grant Hibbing | January 9, 2008 10:29 AM

Dear Ms.Newkirk.

As an animal activist for many many years before the foundation of Peta.org. Can you ever, in reality see an end to factory farming and animal experimentation World Wide. I fear this will never occur., although I try and be optimistic.

Thank you for your time.

Kindest regards, Keith.

Posted by: keith | January 9, 2008 11:13 AM

I met Ingrid yesterday in Chennai, India, during her book launch. I got her autograph too! I spent nearly an hour chattin with her! She was AWESOME! I was so happy to meet her! She was tellin me about her childhood days here in India... She was so sweet!

Posted by: Niranjan | January 9, 2008 11:57 AM

why are you guys sooo into animals its sickening i love meat. you guys are way outta control. you dont even make headlines anymore sooo give it up.

Posted by: God | January 9, 2008 12:05 PM

What you are doing is so appreciated. I know i am only a kid but i saw your show and know all i want to do is help... But how???? Anyway keep fighting for there rights and i already sent an email to the bad doods....

Posted by: Jessica | January 9, 2008 01:41 PM

Well first i want to say thank you for all that you are doing.. It is so said what some people do for money... I saw your show and know all i want to do is help.. Yes i am only 13 years old but i can help but how???? I dont have that much money but there should be other ways right???

Anyway keep fighting for the monkeys..

PS i sent that email to the bad doods..

Posted by: Jessica | January 9, 2008 01:44 PM

Where's the outrage over the latest maneuver by Michael Vick's attorney having Vick moved to a rehab unit, thus lessening his prison time? It looks like Vick's arrest for marijuana use and possession was probably staged, thereby paving the way for an early release for this scumbag!

Posted by: Kent Fairlie | January 9, 2008 02:15 PM

Hey Ingrid,
I've always seen you as a inspiration to all vegan/vegetarians and i especially feel warmth when i watch your public speech's.

When people ask me, 'why do you care about animals?' i am starting to feel stuck with answers and was wondered if you have any really good comebacks when you are asked question's like that?

Posted by: Peter Moffitt | January 9, 2008 05:29 PM

First of all I would like to thank you for making "I am an Animal" that movie really opened my eyes and I have not tasted skin since. I want to do more where I live and there really is no scene for activism around here (Manchester, NH). How can I do more to spread the word? Thank you for your time.

Posted by: Adam Hobson | January 9, 2008 05:31 PM

Hi ingrid,
i am doing a project on animal rights and i am including peta for the amazing work that you and all the other members do.I have just two questions,why do you think animals deserve rights?, and also, what inspired you to be involved with animal rights and to create this organization?

Posted by: Justin | January 9, 2008 06:05 PM

Hi ingrid,
i am doing a project on animal rights and i am including peta for the amazing work that you and all the other members do.I have just two questions,why do you think animals deserve rights?, and also, what inspired you to be involved with animal rights and to create this organization?

Posted by: Justin | January 9, 2008 06:06 PM

Dear Ingrid,
As Claire and George have posted, I also would like the answer to the question, why Amazon?
It feels like you are telling us, don't do as I do, do as I say.
I now buy all of my Activism material from Lantern Books.
I must say sorry about the post, perhaps I went a little too far, but I was so upset.
But you are still one of the 8th wonders.
Thanks so much.
Judith

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | January 9, 2008 07:25 PM

Hello! First of all I would like to say thank you for all you do! You and the rest of the PETA team do what most of us cannot and for that I am truly grateful!

What I would to ask is why doesn't PETA have more presence in Canada? I don't beleive there is any of the PETA team stationed in Canada and it would be nice to have! Even with the caring consumer guides, I find quite often that many Canadian companies do not seem to make either list.

Posted by: Vanessa McLaughlin | January 9, 2008 09:11 PM

Ingrid,
I think you should travel around Canada, and The USA as a public speaker, I would love to come and listen to you speak, your so interesting.

Posted by: carolyn | January 9, 2008 11:11 PM

Does PETA have outlines about the upcoming presidental candidates and how they stand on animal rights issues? That certainly will impact my vote.
-Mandy

Posted by: Mandy | January 9, 2008 11:40 PM

Dear Ms. Newkirk,
First, I'd like to thank you for dedicating your life to helping these lovely innocent creatures. I truly admire your compassion and determination. I have been an animal rights advocate and vegetarian for as long as I can remember. I donate monthly to PETA, attend rallies, pass out leaflets, etc. all over my city (Manhattan). However, I am ready to take things to the next step. Can you give me any advice on pursuing a career with PETA or some other reputable animal rights organization?

Posted by: Storme | January 10, 2008 12:58 AM

I am a devoted Ingrid disciple! Have been for years and spread the word. Please tell me how she and others in the org. keep from getting depressed. Many times in the midst of enjoying myself - good meal, laughing, etc., pictures and scenes of lab animals, wolf families being shot from planes, etc., pop into my head. I then feel guilty for enjoying myself while so many of our fellow animals suffer. Thank you all for your selfless dedication.
P.S. "I am an Animal" should be required viewing by Jr. High and High School students.
Not that it would ever happen!

Posted by: Mary DeSimone | January 10, 2008 09:17 AM

I too would like to know how much of an impact the anti-fur movement has caused. I am familiar with many other advocacy groups who fight for this cause as well. When I look around though it seems as if we are not making much headway, I see so much real fur being worn, and it grieves me to no end.

Posted by: Lynn Schlosser | January 10, 2008 10:50 AM

Ingrid,
I have found great inspiration in all you have done,.and the changes that have taken place in society due to your dedication to all animals
The documentary “I am an animal” was very touching, and hopefully will open up some eyes of people that judge Peta unfairly. On the documentary I seen a few animal groups with criticism instead of appreciation, this did upset me a little for it seems they forget that without Peta paving the way there most likely would not be other animal groups at all. Peta did not start animal rights for they are found throughout history, but they were the first group to stand up that made a difference in the way society views animals. So I have a hard time accepting that some animal groups would not acknowledge Peta as the start of a foundation to build other groups from. I like the persons comment above have plans to seek more educational tools that allow me a career working with animals. Right now I spend all of my extra time out of working helping animals, but would rather make helping animals my full time job. My choice is to look into an associates degree in marketing so that I can look for new ways to help improve conditions for animals through reaching many people at a time. Thanks again for dedicating your whole life to giving animals a voice, and a right to live life without suffering.

Posted by: Dana | January 10, 2008 12:01 PM

I would like to ask Ingrid what she believes is the most humane way to feed my cats. As a vegan, I find this to be an ethical dilemmna. I would prefer to not feed my pets meat, but I also know that most cats do not do well on a vegetarian diet. Currently, I feed them an organic food that is made with free range chicken.

Posted by: Sarah | January 10, 2008 12:20 PM

Hi Ingrid,

How do you maintain your strength, your energy, your being, after being present in slaughter houses and watching hours and hours and HOURS of undercover footage of animal abuse?

How does all of this misery not get you down and miserable? And if it does, how do you recover?

Posted by: Jaclyn | January 10, 2008 12:26 PM

I wrote this poem: I just wondered if you thought it was any good.

Ghosts

Traveling ahead of us on the highway, I saw them.
Their cages stacked high, bundles of white turkeys huddled and cramped.
I knew this was their last ride.
It wouldn’t be long now until they reached their final destination, the only reason they ever existed.
It was such a beautiful summer evening, the setting sun lightly touching the highway, then I noticed them. White feathers trailing behind them and floating to ground, it was as if they wanted to leave behind a piece of their presence for proof that they had once lived.

I spent my summer with them. Some days I didn’t see them at all, other days, they were close by. Some nights, they slept near us in the pasture near our back door. Through the darkness I could see their black images bedded on the ground, slowly rising with the sun.

They spent their days together expecting each day to be the same. They grazed. They fought off the insistent flies. They suffered when the summer sun beat down on them. And, they sought shelter under the cottonwoods when the rains came. They never knew that the shorter days and cooler nights would bring their end.

Now, when I gaze out on the pasture where they once lived, all I see are the brown patches scattered on the ground, proof that they ate and proof that they once lived. These patches will remain long after they are forgotten.

She was so beautiful and so loving.
She was a German Shepard that needed a home.
She licked my face and my hand as if to say thank you for the upcoming surgery that would give her that chance.
She didn’t get the chance, the cancer had devoured her body. Dumped by her owners became she became ill.
I witnessed the lives she touched before she left, the doctors and the techs and me.

Posted by: Louise McGannon | January 10, 2008 08:22 PM

How do you respond to those that are unaware of what's really happening and refuse to believe it ?

How do you convince them otherwise ?

Posted by: Eva | January 10, 2008 08:58 PM

Ingrid I watched your documentary on HBO when it first aired & I was very intrigued but dismayed. The dog that was rescued with heartworm was put down. Heartworm is treatable depending on what stage the animal is in, and that was never clarified. I know that by the ASPCA, Friends of Animals, and other groups have criticized you in the past for putting too many dogs to sleep in your rescue program. I was just wondering if maybe you could elaborate more on your reasoning. I am not a supporter of no kill shelters because I don't believe the answer for any dog who is deemed "unadoptable" to live the rest of its life going insane in a cage but I feel that that particular dog in your documentary could have been adopted if it could have been treated.
On another note I am a supporter of PETA and have donated my money & letter writing skills to support your organization. I just was wondering if you have thought about promoting an education program for animal owners. I feel that ignorance not only on the part of animal owners but also of shelters who DO NOT many times screen potential adopters nor do pet shops ( who should be put out of business). I also feel that there is an increase in animal abuse & neglect at an alarming rate especially by children & teens. There is quite a direct correlation between animal abuse & people abusing or killing humans ie domestic violence. If there was some law that could be passed to do a background check, vet check, anything at the local shelters. This is an issue that has plagued society for centuries & not much seems to changed. This would also go hand in hand with your unchain backyard dogs campaign, these are the exact people who need animal education. A pet is not an object or a passing thought it is part of the family & should be treated accordingly.

Posted by: Melissa | January 10, 2008 09:37 PM

i don't know if this is the place to ask questions-but i wanted to inquire about feather quilts. how exactly are those feathers acquired and does it involve animal cruelty?

Posted by: rhonda sellars | January 10, 2008 10:48 PM

"PETA has killed over 14,400 dogs and cats at its Norfolk, Virginia headquarters. During 2005, PETA put to death over 90 percent of the animals it collected from members of the public."

As you can imagine, these sorts of comments leave me very confused. If you could shed some light on the subject, it would be much appreciated. Thank You.

Posted by: Evany | January 11, 2008 03:28 AM

I was wondering why Kimora Lee Simons is a PETA spokesmodel..doesn't she wear fur?
Thanks.

Posted by: Thuy Nguyen | January 11, 2008 03:48 AM

Hello Ingrid, I admire you and PETA, I live in Rincon Ga, but I am lonely, I would like to hace some good company to make campaigns, is it possible, that you make a contact for me in my area?, and the ringling is coming to Savannah I need to do something, but I was giving some leaflets before but some people is so difficult and I wanto to do things with somebody else. How do you live your live everyday seeing all this cruelty to animals? I am vegan since 4 months ago when I knew all this cruelty, but sometimes I feel sick when I think about all of this, and I have a lot headeachs. How is your health? Thank you

Posted by: liliana | January 11, 2008 11:33 AM

Thanks for all you do. In my 11 years as an activist I have seen unfortunately how deeply most people just do not care about serious issues such as animal rights. I have been thwarted in my efforts so many times. My only hope is when I have interacted with people age 21 and under. I would like to see PETA have a campaign to go to this age group almost daily YEAR-ROUND if possible. Is this do-able?

Posted by: Gerry Ardigliano | January 11, 2008 11:59 AM

Louise McGannon: This is a wonderful poem and shows your deep feelings for God's creatures - the animals! It deeply touched my heart - you are a great poet!

Posted by: animalfriend | January 11, 2008 12:15 PM

Louise,

Very well done, expressed with emotion, sensitivity and empathy.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | January 11, 2008 04:23 PM

Louise,
I agree that poem was very well written, and touching.

liliana,
I am facing the same issue The Ringling Brothers Circus will be here at the end of this month..I have sent many letters to the editor of the local paper, but think there needs to be something set up at this event to inform the people attending this awful event of the horrors that go on behind the curtain of this show...I do not feel that most people just do not care I think they just are not informed. For a few ours of entertainment these animals suffer a lifetime of abuse!!!

Posted by: Dana | January 11, 2008 06:02 PM

Why have you not yet apologized for recommending that the Vick dogs all be euthanized ? Fortunately the Judge is smarter and kinder and at the advice of ASPCA, those dogs are now living a happy life in the care of loving sanctuaries. Most are at Best Friends in Utah, who deserve our financial support.

Posted by: John T Eyre | January 12, 2008 01:44 PM

Ms. Newkirk -

I would love to hear your thoughts on the rumors that you take insulin that is made from animals. As well, if it is true, the justification behind it.

Posted by: Kristina | January 12, 2008 06:11 PM

Ingrid, you are truly a hero! I have been an animal activist for about 2 1/2 years. And there are many things I would like to ask you, but I will go with one for now. Many times when i am out with friends, or laughing, and having a great time, I start to think about the poor animals who are suffering. Then I feel so selfish that I am enjoying life, while so many suffer. Or even when I am worrying about something in my own life, then I say to myself, "Stop being so selfish, there are animals out there in much worse situations" How do you help the animals and at the same time still enjoy your life? Is it selfish to have fun while so many suffer. I help animals in any way possible, but sometimes I get so depressed thinking about it. Can you give me some advise? Another questions, though great improvements have been made, do you ever see a day when animals will not be tested on and when there are no animal circus etc. You are an inspiration to everyone and I wish one day you could get the noble peace price. I would love to meet you!!! Thank you for everything you do, and we are behind you all the way. It is because of PETA that my eyes opened for the animals... for all who don't have a voice, animals and humans alike!!!

ghazal

Posted by: Ghazal Tajalli | January 13, 2008 03:18 PM

Kristina,

"Insulin production from animal pancreases was widespread for decades, but very few patients today rely on insulin from animal sources, largely because few pharmaceutical companies sell it anymore.
Synthetic "human" insulin is now manufactured for widespread clinical use using genetic engineering techniques, which significantly reduces the presence of impurities. Eli Lilly marketed the first such insulin, Humulin, in 1982. Humulin was the first medication produced using modern genetic engineering techniques in which actual human DNA is inserted into a host cell (E. coli in this case). The host cells are then allowed to grow and reproduce normally, and due to the inserted human DNA, they produce a synthetic version of human insulin.
Since January 2006, all insulins distributed in the U.S. and some other countries are synthetic "human" insulins or their analogs. A special FDA importation process is required to obtain bovine or porcine derived insulin for use in the U.S., though there may be some remaining stocks of porcine insulin made by Lilly in 2005 or earlier."

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | January 13, 2008 03:56 PM

Dear Ingrid,
Why can't a law banning the use of all primates in laboratories be passed?
There is overwhelming evidence that primates are almost identical to us when it comes to DNA, emotions and suffering, which is why they can't force testing on humans.
I'm sure Jane Goodall would help in this matter.

What is needed to make this happen? First the primates banned, then any animal considered a "pet"...etc. This would be a great start.

Posted by: Andi | January 13, 2008 04:47 PM

Kristina it is not Ingrid that takes insulin...There is however a great section in Ingrid Newkirk’s book “Making Kind Choices” that explains who this was, and what drastic diet changes this person has made to ensure that very little insulin is needed . Funny how tails go through so many different versions that you ended up getting one that stated Ingrid uses insulin.

Posted by: Dana | January 13, 2008 10:33 PM

I have recently come into a delimma with a neighbor behind our next door neighbor. It all started three weeks ago when one of our cats went missing. We were devestated and looked at the local animal shelter with no luck. Then a week later our other cat went missing. At this point I posted signs throughout our neighborhood. Today I received a nasty phone message from the neighbor behind us stating that she traped our cats and turned them into the animal shelter. I am going to go to the animal shelter in the morning and hopefully recover our pets, but I am wondering if there is any legal action that can be taken against this woman for kidnapping our cats? I am so worried that our cats have been adopted out or put to sleep, but I am hoping for the best tommorrow. If you have any advice our family would greatly appreciate it.

Regards,

Jennifer Maitland

Posted by: Jennifer Maitland | January 13, 2008 11:33 PM

I watched I Am an Animal and have experienced PTSD symptoms over seeing the clips of animal cruelty. I've had a hard time sleeping and can't get some of the images out of my mind. I strongly believe that to be truly informed you cannot turn a blind eye, so I know that it was important for me to know the realities of how cruel humans can be to animals. Knowing this allows me to be more proactive, but I would like to know what happened with the scenario of the wolf. I think it was a wolf that was skinned alive. Where was that and did that ever stop? I really need to know more details so I know how to help.

Thank you Ingrid for all you have done and are still doing for animals.

Posted by: Molly | January 14, 2008 12:26 AM

Dear Ingrid: I think it would be beneficial if PETA were to consult with Psychic Mediums to speed up the process of helping animals. There are some Psychics who truely are 100% genuine in their skills in contacting the other side for help. PETA has nothing to lose and everything to gain. The fact that you are an atheist is beneficial due to your highly developed rational and free-thinking mind. You can contact me, I will give you a few names of people who like yourself are very altruistic. The media attention alone for this new idea will be a plus for the cause.

Posted by: Gerry Ardigliano | January 14, 2008 04:03 PM

Louise:
I'm a writer, and I was struck by your writing. These are beautiful images and beautiful words, but this isn't a poem. Rather, it's a testament to the lives of animals that should've had a chance, but didn't, and it should be published as an article in a magazine, where people unfamiliar with animal rights can see it. I hope you can get it published.

Posted by: Susannah S | January 15, 2008 09:46 AM

I just wanted to thank those who liked my "poem". I wasn't sure if it was good.

If it is good enough to publish, I would love to put it out there somewhere in the hope that it opens new eyes. Any ideas or suggestions where?

Thank you PETA for all you do.

Posted by: Louise McGannon | January 16, 2008 08:09 PM

If it's not too late to ask a question:

Ingrid, do you think we will ever achieve total animal liberation? If so, how long do you think before this happens? What do you think is the best way of achieving this goal?

Thank you. And thank you for everything you do for animals.

Posted by: K | January 20, 2008 02:12 PM

Another thing I was wondering about was the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA).

I contacted my representative and senators (one of whom is Inhofe who introduced it) when I first heard about this bill. I read that Bush signed it into law November 2006. How much impact has this bill had on animal rights activists? I have read many comments concerning this bill and I am still a bit confused--Is this bill unconstitutional or does it just make the punishments harsher for people who do what is already illegal?

Posted by: K | January 20, 2008 03:47 PM

i am glad to read these commentaries posted above it makes me feel not alone in my feelings for all the animal horrors going on all over the world and sorry to say much of yet not enough of the human race cares the poam about the turkeys really touched me so long i hate using animals for foodnow the first comment about getting really sick over animal abuse is just what i experience i think about all the time thinking most people would think i was crazy but now i know im not we all ought get together and touch on our feelings soehow through peta mabey opening apace on their web sie

Posted by: carol | January 22, 2008 08:04 PM

I wanted to get approved so I could ask some questions about starting a shelter. When dealing with animals that have been abused and or mistreated, what do you do with all of the raw emotions that you feel? It makes me sick, angry frustrated. I have been considering starting a shelter for cats and dogs but have recently had to stop and question what to do with all the raw emotions. Does anyone have any advise to give in this area?

Posted by: Brenda Ellwein | January 30, 2008 09:52 PM

Ive just joined peta but have been an animal activist for as long as i can remember i want to get involved at rallies protests ect. when do these take place

Posted by: Paige Horinek | February 9, 2008 02:12 PM