I've been smoking since I was 11.... I know... ewww. I hate them, I hate the smell, the taste, but I've tried to quit on my own so many times before and I always go back and I don't really know why. (I can't even go a whole day.) I'm too poor to buy the stuff to help you quit... maybe you guys can help me out now??

Posted by: Lindsey | March 24, 2009 03:43 PM

Perhaps more useful would be for PETA to support such efforts on the basis that, as widely reported, secondhand smoke causes serious illness (e.g., cancer) and death in dogs and cats (and no doubt other pets). Any increase in smoking cessation rates among pet owners directly benefits their beloved animals. Knowledge of this fact has served as important motivation for many humans to quit smoking.

Posted by: Cliff | March 24, 2009 04:43 PM

I hate it when people test on animals with paint, tobacco,...any chemical or drug. The only use in point of testing on animals is 'kindly', maybe a pinch at a time incase they're sick and we don't know it, and yet we want to see what the side effects are. Not to be putting 1000 mgs into, see if they live or die, then sell or kill next. No thanks.

Sincerely,
Anna

Posted by: Anna Gates | March 24, 2009 05:38 PM

Excellent idea PETA: "Cancer Prevention." We are an animal rights protection organization in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India--animalaidunlimited.com--here, too, this argument to house the advocacy of vegan living under the same conceptual roof as all cancer prevention efforts will work. We are so impressed with the people in PETA who constantly look for opportunities to find the silver-linings in clouds and open doors to main-streem consciousness.

Posted by: Claire Abrams | March 24, 2009 08:52 PM

My stepdad smokes. Can pets die from secondhand smoke?

Posted by: Amber Falobas | March 25, 2009 08:07 AM

I am a diehard animal loving vegetarian who loathes all forms of cruelty against animals. However, I will not condemn or lecture to people who smoke.

Posted by: Brien Comerford | March 25, 2009 09:20 AM

Yes, Amber, pets (especially birds) can die from secondhand smoke, and it is not good for children either. I am in my 50's, I have had asthma my entire life, and both my parents were smokers. The price of my asthma medication over the years has been astronomical, even with insurance; the insurance carrier I have now considers asthma a pre-exsisting condition and will only cover albuterol; I have had to stop using my other medication, Advair, because at $200.00 a canister I cannot afford it.

If you talk to your stepfather about his smoking, please remember he is probably addicted and be understanding and respectful. My dad did not quit somking until he lost a lung to cancer, and my mother was never able to quit.

Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | March 25, 2009 10:32 AM

I think a generous offer and excellent PR for PETA, though there's such a stigma attached to PETA it may not be beneficial to the program.

Posted by: John Marshall | March 25, 2009 01:52 PM

When you say that cigarettes are tested on animals. I assume you mean for research into why smoking causes cancer? How this could be prevented etc?

Surely this research will carry on irrespective of people quitting or not?

To use this as an arguement, I would say, is a weak arguement. It would probably only appeal to people who don't listen to the facts.

Sorry if this offends you but this is my view.

Posted by: Matt | March 25, 2009 03:31 PM

YOUR CREATIVITY JUST NEVER STOPS! I RESPECT YOU PETA----THANKS FOR THE MORALE HIGH GROUND IN A WORLD SO ABLE TO INFLICT PAIN ON THOSE WITHOUT POWER AND NOT THINK TWICE ABOUT IT.

Posted by: CAROLYN | March 26, 2009 02:29 AM

Thanks for the link Claire.

Posted by: Carla | March 26, 2009 12:32 PM

Great, and thank you so much for getting involved in such a great cause. I am a smoker for almost 40 yrs. who needs to stop permanently.

Posted by: susan tine | March 26, 2009 04:12 PM