International Eat an Animal for PETA Day (or EATAPETA) falls on March 15 every year. Born out of scorn for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and their aggressive, and often hurtful, ad campaigns — when Meryl Yourish saw the organization likening eating meat to the holocaust — every year since 2003, participants observe this day by eating animal products for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also draw awareness to PETA’s hypocrisy, considering that their shelters have an unusually high rate of euthanization.
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
What are PETA’s beliefs?
The company has stated that it exists to protect animal rights across the globe. As seen on their website, they believe, “animals are not ours to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way.”
What is the PETA logo on products?
The ‘PETA-Approved Vegan’ logo is a logo used by companies to certify that their products are made from entirely vegan alternatives to animal products. Brands also use a ‘bunny’ logo bestowed by the cruelty-free campaigns PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Choose Cruelty-Free.
How does PETA spend its money?
According to the organization’s independent report published on its website, about 82% of PETA’s funding went directly to programs to help animals in 2020. However, activistfacts.com states that PETA spends less than 1% of its large budget actually helping animals.
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.
International Eat an Animal for PETA Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 15 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 15 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 15 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 15 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 15 | Thursday |
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