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- Animal
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- International
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- Every March 15
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International Eat an Animal for PETA Day (EATAPETA) arrives every March 15, born from a critical response to PETA’s controversial campaigns. This day encourages participants to consume animal products, drawing attention to perceived inconsistencies in PETA’s approach to animal welfare. Join the conversation, share your views, and explore different perspectives on animal ethics.
Want to sponsor International Eat an Animal for PETA Day? Learn how
History of International Eat an Animal for PETA Day
In 1990, Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco founded PETA after being inspired by the 1975 book “Animal Liberation.” The goal of the organization was to protect animals from exploitation at the hands of the human race. The first time PETA gained widespread recognition was during its campaign to end animal testing in research laboratories. It later extended its purview by appealing to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries to stop testing their products on animals. PETA continued to gain notoriety as it worked to stop animals from being used as clothing, food, or entertainment.
PETA is well-known for the ad campaigns it runs to combat “speciesism.” Such campaigns are often dubbed as too intense or gruesome, owing to the graphic imagery that’s used by the organization. It was one such ad campaign that led to the founding of International Eat an Animal for PETA Day. The organization ran an ad in 2003 that likened killing animals to the Holocaust of Jewish people under the Hitler-led Nazi regime. Author and teacher, Meryl Yourish, was enraged when she saw this and founded International Eat an Animal for PETA Day to protest against the organization.
In the years since then, people have pointed out PETA’s inconsistencies between its ideals and functioning. For example, denouncing the concept of owning pets, yet having abnormally high euthanization rates in its animal shelters. As time goes on, people are growing more disillusioned with the organization.
International Eat an Animal for PETA Day timeline
Philosopher Peter Singer publishes his book, “Animal Liberation.”
Inspired by Singer’s book, PETA is founded.
PETA first gains recognition when it protests against the use of monkeys in experiments conducted at the Institute of Behavioral Research in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The first International Eat an Animal for PETA Day is observed after PETA’s “Holocaust on your plate” ad campaign goes public.
International Eat an Animal for PETA Day FAQs
When is International Eat an Animal for PETA Day?
For 2027, International Eat an Animal for PETA Day will be observed on Monday, March 15. It remains a consistent date each year, providing a fixed opportunity for discussion and participation.
What is PETA's stance on animal welfare?
PETA’s philosophy centers on the idea that animals have rights and should be free from human exploitation. Their campaigns often use provocative imagery and tactics to draw attention to animal suffering in various industries, pushing for a vegan lifestyle as the ethical standard.
How many animals does PETA euthanize?
Critics of PETA often point to the organization’s euthanasia statistics, which show a significant number of animals being put down at their facilities. These figures, such as the 2,000+ animals euthanized in 2023, are frequently cited in discussions about PETA’s practices and their definition of ‘ethical treatment.’
What are the arguments against PETA?
Opponents of PETA frequently criticize the organization for its aggressive and sometimes misanthropic campaigns, suggesting they often prioritize animal rights over human concerns. The high number of animals euthanized at their facilities is a persistent point of contention, fueling the counter-movement that EATAPETA Day represents.
How to Observe International Eat an Animal for PETA Day
Eat meat
It’s easy. Eat meat, but do it ethically. For example, do some research on where your meat comes from, and avoid anything reared in factory farms where they are fed hormones or antibiotics, or killed savagely. Vegetarians who still want to protest against PETA may have an animal product like eggs or honey instead.
Have a meat-themed outing
Go out to dine at a local grill room. Invite your friends and family to stay in for a garden barbecue.
Talk about it online
While you observe EATAPETA in your own way, post about it on social media to raise awareness about the protests against PETA. Make sure to criticize the organization’s duplicity and extremism rather than the core of their noble cause.
5 Important Facts About Pets
Cats don’t meow at each other
According to some studies, cats meow only to communicate with humans.
The lifespan of a goldfish
The longest a captive goldfish has ever lived is 43 years.
Dogs can sense time
Dogs are capable of sensing the passage of time.
Guinea pigs aren’t from Guinea
They’re actually endemic to the Andean Mountain region in South America and were first domesticated by the Incas over 3,000 years ago!
PETA pets
In 2020, PETA euthanized 67% of the animals in their custody — including cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals.
Why International Eat an Animal for PETA Day is Important
It raises awareness about PETA’s transgressions
The day makes more people aware of PETA’s transgressions. This awareness allows them to make more informed decisions about whether or not they should support or protest the organization.
It expresses people’s outrage
The day serves to express public outrage against PETA. It offers people a formal platform to articulate their hurt and anger and challenge the organization’s actions.
It’s easy to participate
It’s an easy event for several people to participate in. All you have to do is make protest signs, head out for some meat-based meal, and take photos of yourself with the signs eating meat to post online. Just because it’s not a complicated process, more people are motivated to join in, increasing the reach of the cause.
