Is PETA Nothing More Than A Corporate Machine?

March 10, 2009 by James Pickett
Filed under Rant

As you all know by now I am an animal fanatic. In fact, I am such a fanatic that I have donated five prints to the art auction at The Great Pit Ball in Las Vegas, and am donating my services as event photographer. With this donation comes a logistic nightmare that is entirely my responsibility to execute flawlessly. None of it is a big deal because I believe in the project and I believe in the man behind the project (Brandon Bond). Brandon has done so much for Pit Bull rescue it would have made your head spin, well before he undertook the responsibility of the Pit Ball and the production of his documentary film, VICKtory To The Underdog. The Pit Ball, however, is not why your reading this article.

Part of the preparation for the art auction at “The Great Pit Ball” obviously required the framing of photographs for hanging. While at Mountain View Custom Framing, the owner Bonnie (who is animal obsessed herself), handed me a copy of Sports Illustrated with a Pit Bull on the cover. “How did I miss this issue?” I wondered. Mainstream sports aren’t really a passion of mine but I have been following the Vick pit bull press very closely. The issue was released December 29, 2008 so I didn’t miss it by that much. All in all the article is very well written, and moving, but there was an interesting surprise, a twist to this whole story that I just couldn’t believe.

The third paragraph of the article is nothing shy of disturbing.

“PETA wanted Jasmine dead. Not just Jasmine, and not just PETA. The Humane Society of the U.S., agreeing with PETA, took the position that Michael Vick’s pit bulls, like all dogs saved from fight rings, were beyond rehabilitation and that trying to save them was a misappropriation of time and money. “The cruelty they’ve suffered is such that they can’t lead what anyone who loves dogs would consider a normal life,” says PETA spokesman Dan Shannon. “We feel it’s better that they have their suffering ended once and for all.” If you’re a dog and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals suggests you be put down, you’ve got problems. Jasmine has problems.” – Jim Gorant, Sports Illustrated

“How can this be?” The outlook just seemed so cold and calculated to me, how can you take this stance? Especially with such a public figure (Michael Vick), the press ramifications are daunting to say the least. Almost a week later I am still trying to process the information, I believe in PETA as an organization, but how can they position themselves in this manner especially when “the abuse of backyard dogs” is in their mission statement. To my knowledge there are very few (less than five) animal species on the planet that kill for sport, and dogs aren’t one of them.

I want your honest opinion here, read the article, tell me what you think about all of this in a comment because it leaves me confused and feeling a little betrayed.