People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an organization committed to ending abusive treatment of animals in business and society by promoting consideration of animal interests in everyday decision making and general policies and practices. Founded in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco, PETA’s objectives were inspired by scholarly work in ethics—most notably, Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation, which Newkirk cites as providing the impetus behind PETA’s establishment. This entry examines PETA’s history and mandate, influence on business practices, and tactics.

PETA’s History and Mandate

PETA’s earliest efforts concentrated on exposing the abuse of animals in experimentation, and this area continues to be a focus of its activities. PETA has made efforts to minimize the suffering of animals in laboratory settings by appealing to industries ...

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