A pair of activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) were arrested Thursday during a protest outside the Manhattan offices of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The activists attempted to dump a truckload of manure to make a statement, but freezing temperatures thwarted their efforts, leaving much of the manure stuck to the truck bed.
What Happened During the Protest?
The demonstration was part of PETA’s ongoing campaign against the ASPCA’s involvement in the Global Animal Partnership (GAP), an animal welfare certification program.
- Failed Stunt: Due to freezing temperatures, much of the manure remained frozen to the truck bed. When one activist climbed into the truck to shovel out the dung, police apprehended him before he could finish.
- Police Action: Both activists were issued summonses for illegal dumping, and the truck, along with its remaining manure, was confiscated by authorities.
Why Is PETA Targeting the ASPCA?
PETA alleges that the Global Animal Partnership’s certification program, supported by the ASPCA, is misleading and permits factory farms with histories of documented cruelty to display the certification on their products. PETA accuses the ASPCA of promoting a “humane washing” agenda by backing this program.
The ASPCA has defended its involvement with the certification program, arguing that it helps establish minimum welfare standards and holds producers accountable.
Diverging Philosophies
The conflict between PETA and the ASPCA stems from their differing approaches to animal welfare:
- PETA’s Stance: PETA seeks to eliminate all forms of animal agriculture and views welfare certifications as insufficient in addressing cruelty in the system.
- ASPCA’s Stance: The ASPCA believes in creating a more humane farming system and argues that certification programs, like GAP’s, are necessary to set basic standards and enforce oversight mechanisms.
Previous Actions and Responses
This protest is part of PETA’s broader campaign against the ASPCA, which has included:
- Protests and Stunts: PETA has held several demonstrations targeting the ASPCA, including full-page ads criticizing the certification program.
- Defensive Statements: GAP has previously defended its certification program, claiming it minimizes cruelty, punishes violations, and reduces industry missteps.
Court Date and Confiscation
The two activists arrested during the manure protest are due to appear in court on February 11. Meanwhile, the confiscated truck and its manure, sourced from an animal sanctuary in New Jersey, remain in police custody.
The manure-dumping protest may not have gone as planned, but it underscores PETA’s dedication to its cause and the philosophical divide between PETA and the ASPCA. While the ASPCA defends its role in setting humane standards for animal agriculture, PETA continues to push for a complete overhaul of the system, making these disputes likely to continue.
