Most of my biologist friends, and myself, beleive that the animal rights should be the cornerstone of the environmental movement.

But PETA, if you're going to slap us in the face by applauding wildlife extinctions and by supporting the gas and SUV industry, please don't expect us to be in your corner either.

Drilling and the automobile industry is responsible for the horrible deaths of millions of marine birds and mammals. And the folks at BP are a bunch of liars.

Posted by: Maya, CVT | September 17, 2008 03:22 PM

Maya, CVT:

I don't think PETA supports the gas industry. No one wants wildlife to become extinct. All life is important. Many animal rights activists I know have hybrids. In fact one person converted their beetle to run on vegetable oil. They call it the VolksVegan.

This is about global warming and what causes it. The fact is if you eat meat and fish you contribute more to Global Warming than driving an SUV and Hummer. That's the whole point of it.

But you're right about one thing. environmentalists and animal rights activists should work together to encourage people to change to a plant-based diet and buy a more environmentally-friendly car.

I think we should go solar.

Posted by: Eric | September 17, 2008 05:37 PM

Maya, i think those initals are going to you head. time to chill out and stop whining. spend your energy helping the world outside of your internet connection. :)

Posted by: whee | September 18, 2008 09:16 AM

Ok...Like the commenter before me, I think giving gas cards is kind of a strange choice for PETA. However, I drive very little. I work in San Francisco and use Golden Gate Transit to commute to work so what little gas I spend is local on weekends. Therefore, I'd be happy to win a gas card. BUT, again, I do have to say that overall, this seems akin to the animal rights group I joined a long time ago and that I quit when they auctioned off old fur coats to make money (rationalizing that the animals were already long dead did nothing for my comfort level on that score!)

Posted by: Karen Saucedo | September 18, 2008 12:50 PM

we must ask our local and state fedral governments to prosecute animals abusers to the maximun power of the law. Like the idiots that abused the pigs in iowa and the jerk joe petcka who murderd his girlfriends cat animals need our voice to defend them i do for many years now.

Posted by: mike h | September 18, 2008 01:20 PM

your web siteis very good. i am new in this site but i realy impressed.

Posted by: suryakant | September 18, 2008 02:54 PM

Eric, :)

Thank you for your kind response. I do tend to go off the deep end when I see several disturbing PETA campaigns in one place; the "Extinct Means Safe Forever" post upset me. I should in fact, lose the CVT ending to my name. I am still certified, but I am now in a graduate program, earning my master's degree in biology.

You'll be glad to know, the new thinking in conservation is that animal rights should guide policy, not just "saving species".

PETA is right that farming is worse than cars; however, the oil and gas industries are drilling and polluting our oceans and other habitats.

Unless PETA likes the sight of oiled birds, lynx getting hit by cars and millions of animals losing their habitats to new roads, they need to not support the automobile industry in any way.

I should say, lastly, that I have loved PETA's work for many years now and I do praise them on this blog more often than I criticize them.

Love solar!!! ;)

Posted by: Maya, CVT | September 18, 2008 04:04 PM

;)

Hello Whee-

On the contrary, being a vet tech has given me a very deep and special understanding about people's relationships with their companions. I do not consider myself more knowledgeable than anyone else here.

And unfortunately, you have focused on the times I have criticized PETA, and you have blatantly ignored the many more times I have praised them.

In any case, this is called the "Comments" section. It's where we leave comments. If the people who maintain this blog do not wish to post my criticisms, they are more than welcome to not post my responses.

So far, however, they have been exceedingly gracious and have posted whatever I say, whether I agree or disagree. It shows integrity on the part of PETA, as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by: Maya, CVT | September 18, 2008 04:12 PM

Maya,

The "Extinct Means Safe Forever" campaign, from what I can tell, was about protecting animals from being hunted. Taking a species off the endangered-species list means a “free for all” for those crazy people who have little to no respect for life.

I personally believe all species should be on the endangered-species list. They are endangered just by our (us humans) existence alone.

Eric

Posted by: Eric | September 18, 2008 05:18 PM

Hello, I really appreciate that PETA accepts all comments including the ones which criticize PETA on some issues. This is good for an open minded conversation. I agree with the criticism about PETA supporting the car industry and with it the oil industry. But I also understand the desperate need to get as many people interested in PETA and their important work. Giving gasoline away is definitely causing people to notice PETA and getting more people to ask questions.

Posted by: Nicola Grobe | September 19, 2008 02:54 AM

Ya. Sure. Whatever you say.

I love the lettuce lady!!

Posted by: Andrew | September 19, 2008 04:54 AM

that lettuce lady is soooo hot.

Posted by: colleen | September 19, 2008 01:15 PM

vegitarianism is only option of being healthy

Posted by: ishita | September 19, 2008 09:39 PM

I don't agree with the gas cards either. If we want to reduce our carbon footprint for our & animals' sake, there needs to be as little initiative as possible for people to continue outrageous energy consumption........ Next time please give away a bike stocked with a basket full of lovely fruit and veggie "fuel!!!!"

Posted by: bix | September 20, 2008 08:26 PM

I think PETA does an awesome
job at educating all of us about animal abuses happening and what's wrong with eating animal meat, etc., but I would prefer they not have pictures of scantily clad women to get a point across (like in the gas giveaway card contest or the fur ads).
I just think it takes away from the professional nature that PETA has earned for itself and I would feel better since I really admire most of everything else that PETA does.

Posted by: bj | September 20, 2008 11:14 PM

Im just wondering, how did you calculate that 1lbs of meat = 40 miles in a suv ^.-

Posted by: NeX | September 21, 2008 12:25 AM

I agree with bix.

I have been a vegetarian about six months ago when one of PETA's reports was mentioned on the radio. Suddenly, I knew about the horrible treatment in the meat factoris and I could no longer ignore it or let others convince me otherwise.

PETA- you won me over with the facts!

You however, lose me with the naked or nearly naked campaigns. Your arguments are very valid and they are able to stand on their own.

I support your overall goal but unfortunately until you revamp the ridiculous routes you take for attention, I can't say that I support you and trust me- I really want to.

Posted by: ASL | September 22, 2008 12:54 PM

Animal rights comes before environmentalism. Ending direct torture is infinitely more important than indirect pollution. Nobody can claim to be a pro-lifer nor an environmentalist if they are not vegan. Don't preach about cleaning up the oceans unless you start by outlawing factory farming and killing animals for food.

Posted by: Sgt Mark Porter | September 22, 2008 08:22 PM

CVT?? Are you seriously trying to flaunt that you are a CVT? Wow..

Posted by: Elizabeth | September 22, 2008 10:23 PM

Hello Sargent Porter,

I understand exactly what you're saying, but I was a veterinary nurse and wildlife rehabilitator before I was a biologist. I am here to tell you, environmentalism is animal rights.

I am very sad to hear that you do not equate pollution in the oceans with animal suffering. It is clear that you have never seen an oiled gannet or an oiled seal.

These toxic pollutants rob these animals of their ability to stay warm and they die of hypothermia - 500,000 from the Exxon Valdez spill alone - and that was just the seabirds!!!

An owl does not vanish peacefully into the night as its forest is chopped down by buzzing chainsaws, any more than we would sleep peacefully through a night when a wrecking ball knocked down our house as we tried to sleep.

These animals suffer just as much as factory farmed animals. Together we can educate the public that factory farms cause more global warming than cars AND that our oceans have actual ANIMALS living in them who deserve our love and respect.

Thanks for listening ;)

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | September 23, 2008 02:09 PM

This comment is in regards to what was said by Maya...PETA isn't slapping us in the face by applauding wildlife extinctions and by supporting the gas and SUV industry...first of all...not all people that use gas to fuel their cars drive SUV's, that is just one type of car and, that was a foolish statement, you meant to say gas and CAR industry...second of all...people are going to drive cars (and SUVs) regardless of whether or not PETA provides people with free gas or not!

They aren't supporting this industry anymore than they were supporting the meat industry when they applauded KFC for finally offering a veggie sandwich to people. Your statements are asinine and actually make no real sense when you think about it.

Anyone who knows anything about PETA knows that while they may have a reputation for being extreme, they are actually quite accommodating to those that disagree with them. Why? Because the only way to persuade someone is to be kind, gentle, and understanding.

You can't force being green on people, you have to give them a choice. Not all of them are going to choose green, but even less will listen to you if you are being forceful about it.

PETA is doing everything in their power to make people AWARE OF THE CONNECTION between gas prices and eating meat. They are not supporting the industry in and of itself.

If you want to go to extreme measures and have no one listen to you...that's fine, but PETA is taking the high road and trying to reach out to EVERYONE. Considering that not everyone thinks the same, taking a general approach is best.

Not that you're ever going to respond to this, but tell me...do you drive a car? Do you purchase and pump gas? Because if you do...you ARE supporting the gas (and SUV *chuckle*) industry. You are doing it without even trying to spread a message, unlike PETA. So really, are they so bad? They aren't as bad as you.

P.S. the computer that you posted that comment with...yea...you're still quite in support of the slaughter, torture, and death of animals and the destruction of the environment by using it. So get off your high horse and just recognize the effort that PETA is making.

There is no need to be stupid and even less of a need to be a jerk.

Posted by: Shannon | September 25, 2008 06:04 PM

Cow farming is responsible for thousands of acres of cleared land which could have been home to trees, vegetation, and wildlife. Plants provide the oxygen we need to live and clean air. PETA is right to give away gas cards if it supports more people becoming vegetarians. This is a good opportunity for increased awareness.

Posted by: Rebecca King | September 25, 2008 06:16 PM

give away hydrogen. j .w .

Posted by: joe wolf | September 25, 2008 06:20 PM

Wow I have known for years going veggie means better green (environmentally) but the meat = huge carbon footprint needs much more press!

Posted by: Maria C Forbes | September 25, 2008 06:22 PM

PETA is clever.

Posted by: Barbara | September 25, 2008 06:29 PM

Go PETA

Posted by: CONNIE MELOS | September 25, 2008 06:35 PM

we have to respect the animals!!!! they are so important,I have a little pomeranian she's a wonderful dog and sleep whith me love her so muchhhhhh!~!!!!!!! good day everyone.....

Posted by: lenny gonzalez | September 25, 2008 06:39 PM

Please pick me I need the gas for work I commute ! hour there and back. SO pick me PLEASE!

Posted by: Shonna Anthony | September 25, 2008 06:50 PM

Anything that draws attention to how animals are really treated in our society and how bad meat consumption is for the environment around the world is helpful but why not give away another form of fuel. Solar credits/. Natural gas, wind/. Bicycle tires? Subway tokens.
Thanks

Posted by: Odeycloney | September 25, 2008 07:14 PM

i agree there is nothing more vile than big oil but until alternate energy vehicles are brought into mass production there isnt much choice than to go to the pump for now . t.boone pickens is a multi billionaire oil man who is telling all who will listen that natural gas and wind is the only way to go and drilling is not the answer if you want to make a difference go to his web site and bashing peta will serve no purpose what they do for all animals is honorable so stop bitching and learn what the answer to oil is .

Posted by: james a hughes | September 25, 2008 07:26 PM

I have to give thanks to PETA for the recent help in my misfortune with a couple of my senior dogs. I am a retired rescuer who has a houseful of seniors ( and i will not turn one away if they are in need) if they find me i figure they should be here
Thank you PETA!
Lin

Posted by: Lin Ireland | September 25, 2008 07:44 PM

While it's true that the auto industry is responsible for the loss of marine birds and mammals, much of human survival depends on transportation to be able to get to and from work. Not all of us can afford electric or hybrid vehicles or are able to get to and from work via the transit system or biking. Many of us that care strongly will do as much as possible to do their part and there is only so much one can do. Are we not all responsible, (in one way or another), for creating pollution involving chemicals either directly or indirectly sometime in the past, now or in the future ?

Posted by: Tina | September 25, 2008 08:26 PM

I had no problem giving up beef and feel better naturally.I'm still waiting for the Peta Vegan cookbook and looking forward to it.
I see that hamburger is in the news so much ,being unsafe and think of all the fast food places making people sick .I hope children are being taught to be careful ,the popularity of the cheap burgers is going strong-it seems there's no thought given to the danger and the humane issues.We need more vegan places to eat ,there's only one i know of in my area and it's very popular.

Posted by: Dakota Laird | September 25, 2008 08:34 PM

It's so ture. The meat industry gives out more carbon emissions than all cars, ships, planes, etc.. in the world combined.

Did you know, to get 1 gram of proten from meat, the cow has to consume 15 grams of wheat. We have enough food rate there to feed that whole world over. Eat less meat!

SAVE THE COWS!!! (and ALL other animals to)

Posted by: Tracy Pyett | September 25, 2008 08:34 PM

YEAH BABY! LETTUCE LADIES ARE KILLIN' IT!

Posted by: Don | September 25, 2008 08:35 PM

I've never been able to comprehend how people can condone let alone EAT tortured and murdered animals. and I still can't, it's a constant struggle for me to come to terms with

Posted by: Derek Brown | September 25, 2008 09:29 PM

i agree big oil is bad news . but until alternate energy vehicles are mass produced we still have to go to the pump . t. boone pickens has a sound plan instead of bitching at peta who does honorable work go to his web site to learn something .

Posted by: james a hughes | September 25, 2008 09:31 PM

People need to realize that livestock production is responsible for more greenhouse gas and pollution than all the vehicles on all the roads of of the world----- combined. We need to stop fooling ourselves that funny curly cue lightbulbs and buying a car with better gas mileage is enough, and take animal products off our plates and out of our closets-- for good.

Posted by: RR | September 25, 2008 09:52 PM

I cannot look at those pictures of animals being tortured anymore. I start crying every time. How can't these people not see the pain in the eyes of these animals they are hurting. Are people so heartless? I guess so, it's scarry to live in this world with those who have no sense of love for other beings.

Posted by: Diane Beriault | September 25, 2008 11:37 PM

Why the scantily clad woman? I find the photo with your contest offensive.

Posted by: Julie Woods | September 26, 2008 12:01 AM

the woman in her bikini is very attractive and would like to take to hawaii

Posted by: paul | September 26, 2008 02:51 AM

I understand the connection between the animal food industry & fuel usage (wastage) but am unclear about the logic behind giving free fuel to motorists - shouldn't we be discouraging people from using fuel?

Posted by: hilary wilson | September 26, 2008 05:27 AM

THANKS

Posted by: CLAUDE VOGEL | September 26, 2008 07:41 AM

help out the humane societyu just found this

Posted by: Nancy Lavoie | September 26, 2008 08:05 AM

this is my email address and it is valid

Posted by: Carole Sandefur | September 26, 2008 09:18 AM

Remember that PETA is trying to make a statement here. Driving cars is only a fraction of what raising livestock does to the planet. Don't take it too literally.

Posted by: Andreas | September 26, 2008 11:36 AM

i beleive in dont kill nothing nothin u aint going to eat i like watching aniamals play

Posted by: carolyn | September 26, 2008 11:48 AM

Thank you PETA for all of the work you do for the environment, as well as, the animals.

Posted by: Mary H. Daly | September 26, 2008 12:05 PM

going green is for the win

Posted by: Jennifer | September 26, 2008 12:15 PM

I don't drive so I wouldn't have any particular use but I know people who could use these. I just hope that Alaska isn't drilled for me to get them.

Posted by: Ann-Marie F | September 26, 2008 12:38 PM

Shannon, I have to say I am amused by your statement. First you say that the way to persuade someone is to be kind, patient and understanding. And then you go on to call me a stupid, asinine jerk.

I think you statement pretty much sums up the hypocricy that I see every day on this website. I may be critical of PETA, but I am a professional and I would never be so rude as to call someone names.

Please grow up, Shannon. I prefer intelligent discourse instead of name calling.

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | September 26, 2008 03:14 PM

Awesome!!!

Posted by: Kyle | September 26, 2008 04:38 PM

I'm fairly new to this site.I really like your product's and I'm trying to become a vegan,I am a vegetarian.Being a vegetarian is the best decision I ever made for myself and for the animal's!

Posted by: danielle | September 26, 2008 05:33 PM

Definitely need the gas card

Posted by: Robert Sprague | September 26, 2008 06:28 PM

IHAVE BEEN VEGETARIAN FOR ABOUT
SEVEN YEARS..I SHARE WITH LOTS
ABOUT CHANGING TO A VEGGIE WAY
OF LIFE. SOME HAVE CHANGED, SO
LET'S CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE GOOD
FIGHT, FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS TO LIFE!

Posted by: ceola chandler | September 26, 2008 07:14 PM

free gas....go green !!!!

Posted by: leslie powell | September 26, 2008 08:13 PM

I am not a child but I do have grand children. The state that I live in used to have all manner of animals and insects that I don't see anymore. Unfortunately, my grans won't ever get these marvelous creatures. Much of this destructiveness is due to the failing environment.

Posted by: Glenda Sheppard | September 26, 2008 10:03 PM

Peta is not trying to support cruelty by choosing the automobile and SUV industries over the meat industries. They are just pointing out the unknown. Gas and energy companies are not the only environmental hazards out there. It just seems that these companies are the only well known factors out there. People are willing to except that it is easier to reduce energy and gas (by switching to newer vehicles) rather than giving up meat. In Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth", It stresses upon all the environmental hazards, but one thing it fails to mention is animal farming. Methane goes into our atmosphere and produces more hazard than gas, and this is produced by the exaggerated numbers in cows.

Posted by: Alex, D | September 27, 2008 12:04 AM

i love animals and i love what peta is doing for the animals -GO PETA

Posted by: Lovette Huett | September 27, 2008 11:24 AM

Thank you

Posted by: Debbie Childers | September 28, 2008 03:53 AM

Animal's Must have the Exact Same rights as People for they feel, think ,& Love
better than Humans . It is time to Stop killing animals
for Sport, Food, Clothing and
Population so called Problems of all puppies, cats, dogs, Any Animal!!! Stop The Abuse, for Human's are the only Real Animals.

Posted by: Robin Burt | September 28, 2008 03:53 PM

everytime i see anything to do with animal cruelty or think about it i burst into tears so thats why i am so glad that you are doing this i hope they will stop animal cruelty all together its horrible aslo that is why i am a vegtarian i absolutely love animals i have 2 rabbits 3 guinea pigs 2 cats and 1 dog i love them all i am 14 years old and i wish i could do something naything to help the animals and environment butif you have any suggestions please tell me thankyou so much from lauren bailey

Posted by: lauren bailey | September 29, 2008 02:52 PM

Lauren, you are a lovely person and I hope you consider a career caring for animals. The first thing you can do is to intern with an animal shelter or a wildlife center. That way you can learn the realities of animal care.

In the world of animal rights and animal care, we spend one hell of a lot of time "criticiszing" other people who don't do the right thing. In fact all of us at some point in our lives makes mistakes. All of us who have owned pets sometimes make mistakes, goodnesss knows I made some mistakes caring for my animals.

Learn from vet techs, vets and shelter workers how to care for all of your pets. Be open to criticism so some day when you're a veterinarian or a world renowned biologist, you will know how to be diplomatic and kind, that way you'll change people's minds easily.

You say that you burst into tears - emotion is great, but anger and depression are destructive. Take good care of yourself, exercise and do yoga. Study Buddhism. Try to always remain calm and kind so you can be a postitive influence on the world and live a long healthy life of helping animals.

;) Namaste!

Posted by: Maya, CVT | September 29, 2008 03:11 PM

u r all doing great for the love of animals rights ty

Posted by: virgilio r. ele,jr. | September 30, 2008 12:10 AM

I JUST WANTED TO SAY OM GLAD SOMEONE IS TELLING US ABOUT THE VGAN DIFFERENCE.
ID LIKE TO DO THE VEGAN THING BUT ITS MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN DOING WHAT WE HAVE BEEN TOLD ALL OUR LIVES IS RIGHT FOR US.

Posted by: MARY SWANGER | September 30, 2008 05:25 PM

Mary Swanger
Vegan doesn't have to be expensive. I buy all my soy beans, rice, dried peas, etc in the bulk bins of a huge supermarket. Very cheap! And watch for in season sales on produce. It's more expensive if you buy the prepared foods.

Posted by: lynda downie | September 30, 2008 11:13 PM

to maya in CT, dang girl, i hope you have a degree in slander, and that you are well aware of the things that you are saying, or are you just someone wanting to see their comment posted, and if you take a good look at your comment, you will realize how ignorant you sound...GO PETA!!!

Posted by: tracie | October 3, 2008 12:26 PM

i just want to help in any way i can with animals. i am with peta and they have showed me a lot of things that would help with animals and that would hurt them .

Posted by: yasmeen | October 4, 2008 08:41 PM

going back to being Eve is taking going green way to far!

Posted by: Mary M Lieberman | October 6, 2008 11:19 PM

great

Posted by: Jeanne Muehlbauer | October 13, 2008 03:36 PM