PETA sends plea for animals to Palestinian leader (2/13/2003)

In perhaps its most outrageous and callous act ever, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has sent a letter to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat pleading for him to spare animals during any conflict.

Apparently, PETA President Ingrid Newkirk was outraged after hearing about a January 26 terrorist attack in Jerusalem where a donkey was strapped with explosives and detonated near a bus carrying Israeli soldiers. Newkirk's fury was not kindled by the continuing acts of terrorism that have taken thousands of human lives in the region, but by the death of the donkey.

Newkirk composed a letter on behalf of PETA, which was reportedly faxed to President Arafat at the beginning of February.

"We have received many calls and letters from people shocked at the bombing in Jerusalem on January 26 in which a donkey, laden with explosives, was intentionally blown up," writes Newkirk. "All nations behave abominably in many ways when they are fighting their enemies, and animals are always caught in the crossfire."

She continued, "For animals, there is no Geneva Convention and no peace treaty - just our mercy. If you have the opportunity, will you please add to your burdens my request that you appeal to all those who listen to you to leave the animals out of this conflict?"

The Washington Post asked Newkirk if she had "considered asking Arafat to persuade those who listen to him to stop blowing up people as well" as animals.
Her reply was, "It's not my business to inject myself into human wars."

"Since September of 2000, 729 Israelis have died as the result of terrorist attacks, yet PETA's concern is the death of a donkey," said U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance President Bud Pidgeon. "This warped perspective again shows that PETA's claims of promoting compassionate behavior is a farce."

CopyrightÓ  U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance- www.ussportsmen.org

Home > News and alerts > You are here: PETA sends plea for animals to Palestinian leader