Driving to work today, I saw the latest billboard from PETA. It was an attempt to induce workers in research labs to come forward and report on animal cruelty going on in their facilities. While the billboard was generic enough it’s pretty obvious who the target of this particular board is due to it’s location, the Oregon National Primate Research Center which is affiliated with OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University)
This is by far not the first time PETA has targeted this facility. PETA continues to claim that the facility is not up to standards and treats animals cruelly, despite unannounced inspections from the USDA, and continued accreditation by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. PETA’s true goal is of course the full closure of this facility and to cease animal testing totally.
With their 4200 primates the facility has been able to contribute significant research into the Genome Project, cloning, Obesity, and the AIDS/HIV Virus among many, many other advances. The value of these findings to human health are incalculable.
While I find PETA to be a fine and needed organization, I believe that they swing way too far the other way. Their publicity stunts such as naked and chained females in cages bring attention, but just make the Organization look crazy in general. Their repeated complaints against a company that has been cleared multiple times makes them look paranoid and hurts the PETA cause more when there might actually really be a problem.
My advice to PETA is to take a look at the NRA and what they have done. They too were seen as a group of crazies but really turned that around with a directed and focused advertisement campaign.
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