PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Essay

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) - Essay Example ivist groups have complained that PETA has made it difficult for them to make their point in the public eye because of negative associations engendered by PETA behaviors. In many cases, it has been argued that the group has taken the message too far even though the group has been successful in bringing about positive change for animal rights. Campaigns they’ve launched include a fight against the fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken for the deplorable conditions in which chickens are kept as they are being fattened up for mass production in the chain’s food stores and campaigns against entertainment venues such as circuses for the way in which performing animals are kept. Before one can determine whether the group is beneficial or detrimental to animals and society as a whole, it is necessary to learn more about the charges levied against them as well as the successes they claim. PETA first gained national recognition only a year after it was founded when founding member Alex Pacheco investigated the research practices of Dr. Edward Taub in what was to become known as the Silver Spring monkey case.1 As the name of the case suggests, the events of the case took place at an animal lab in Silver Spring, Maryland. According to the Institute for Animal Research, photographs taken by Pacheco in a late night undercover mission in the primate lab revealed monkeys housed in ‘filthy conditions’ and evidence gathered regarding the nature of Dr. Taub’s research revealed what seemed to be excessively cruel practices.2 Information released about the case indicates Taub was deliberately cutting the nerves in the arms and legs of 17 monkeys he had in the lab and then employing further cruel methods to see what would induce the monkeys to attempt to use these damaged appendages. Methods employed included electric shock, restraining the undamaged limbs and withholding food.3 Taub had no choice but to admit to the methods being used, but suggested the research