People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has a reputation for using sensationalistic tactics to draw attention to its cause.
But a protest by the animal-rights group in New York this week has some saying that the organization has gone too far in its effort to attract attention.
According to the Associated Press, PETA representatives led a protest outside of Madison Square Garden on Monday to coincide with the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
The organization contends that the show’s host, the American Kennel Club, encourages pure-breeding of dogs — a practice PETA says isn’t healthy.
To call attention to the issue, the organization compared pure-breeding to the Ku Klux Klan’s efforts to create a “master race.”
“‘Welcome AKC Members,’ read a banner hanging from the table — with AKC crossed out and KKK written above it,” the Associated Press wrote in its report on the protest. “Two PETA protesters dressed as Ku Klux Klan members, while other volunteers handed out brochures.”
The comparison prompted a sharp rebuke by Dana Variano, a writer and creative director for the Web site PhilanthroMedia.
“This move is wildly offensive, and lacks any sense of compassion for a large population of New Yorkers,” Ms. Variano wrote. “PETA’s point is entirely obfuscated by their flashy stunt, and the move relegates them to the level of the National Enquirer or Jessica Simpson — anything to get media attention.”
Should nonprofit groups use controversial tactics to call attention to their issues? If so, was PETA’s protest appropriate — or did it go too far? Click on the comments link below to share your thoughts.
