Staff Is Wrong: PETA Advances Important Cause

To the editors:

Speaking of shocking tactics, I was shocked to see how unbalanced and, worse, poorly researched your editorial “PETA’s Pedigree” (Staff Ed, March 3) was. I encourage you to address the potentially libelous assertion that “less than 1 percent of PETA’s annual budget is dedicated [to savings animals’ lives]” as well as other inaccurate claims regarding People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) goals and interests.

I want to address the contention that PETA has been detrimental to the cause of animal rights.

In reality, PETA has put the cause on the map. I, as a member of the meat-eating contingency, have been enlightened with regards to many animal rights issues through this organization. Try to think of three other animal rights groups-not “animal welfare,” but animal rights. Many do exist, but you likely haven’t heard of them or their campaigns. Regardless of your views towards animal rights, you’ve probably only been forced to consider your opinions on the subject because PETA is effective at putting an uncomfortable and depressing issue front and center.

Only a short while ago, those in power in our society continued to oppress others who had been deemed unworthy of equal rights, such as slaves, women, and homosexuals, against whom the fight continues. I am inspired that society’s sphere of moral consideration is continually expanding. I acknowledge and applaud that PETA has assumed the role of society’s “watchdog” with respect to our treatment of animals.

Orit Sarfaty ’97

Seattle, Wash.

March 4, 2004