Wolverhampton Students Go Green April 3, 2009

Posted by Marta at April 3, 2009 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

Sarah from peta2 UK wants to let you know about her time at Wolverhampton University last week—take it away, Sar!
-Marta

Last week I got to attend Wolverhampton Universities' 'Go Green' Week. I was excited to be invited along by the Welfare and Ethics Officer, Caroline, to talk to students about how they can drastically cut their green house gas emissions by switching to a vegetarian diet.

Lots of students weren't aware that the meat industry causes almost 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than all the world's transportation systems combined. So whilst our government promotes switching lights off and not leaving anything on standby to help fight global warming, the easiest and most effective way you can help our planet is by adopting a vegetarian—or a vegan—diet.

Did you hear that a recent study has shown that feeding sea kitten (fish!) oil to livestock such as cows cuts the amount of greenhouse gas they release? But we all know the best (and easiest) thing to do is to just go vegetarian! Killing sea kittens to use in feed for livestock is not the answer to solving our global climate change.

Sea Kitten Tattoos!? February 13, 2009

Posted by Rachel-O at February 13, 2009 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack

You've seen our sea kitten campaign right? The one that's all over the place—literally? A PETA Foundation staffer, Kristen, has gone one step farther in having the sea kittens dominate the world, and she's getting a whole sea kitten sleeve on her arm. I'm definitely jealous. Check it out!

I asked Kristen some quick questions about her choice to get the sea kittens forever inked in her skin and here's what she said:

What made you want to get a sea kitten sleeve?
Well, when I first saw the campaign I knew I was in love. It just makes so much sense! Seahorses got on the plan years ago, and it has done wonders for their image—who eats seahorse sandwiches? No one I know. I just find it incredibly unfair that some animals are welcomed into our homes and hearts and others are banished to crates and plates. You can't judge animals on their genetic code. I don't know about you, but I'm against speciesism. My tattoos spark conversations just about everywhere I go. It's great when standing in a long line—a little annoying when I just want to pay for my soy chai and get to the office—but either way I love that it gives me the chance to talk about sea kittens specifically, and animal rights in general.

Why do you think sea kittens get such a bad rap?
Some people may think that sea kittens got the short end of the cuteness stick—I disagree (check out the Axolotl, and you will too). I think the bigger problem is that they are too far removed from the public eye. They are easily forgotten, they are usually seen battered and fried next to potatoes, and rarely in their homes doing cute sea kitten things like building their nursery and protecting their growing babies.



I definitely agree that sea kittens are adorable! I've had a small obsession with puffer fish for years! They are the cutest! Ahh! I can't believe people actually eat them or any other sea kitten.

Kristen's sleeve isn't done yet, she's still got a few more sea kittens to go—so we'll be checking in on the progress and posting some more great pictures as the work gets done!

Do you guys have any suggestions for what her next one should look like? You can check out some ideas on our sea kitten campaign page, and make sure to sign our petition to help save the sea kittens here!

Bands Who Should Change Their Names Immediately! February 6, 2009

Posted by Shannon Phillips at February 6, 2009 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 34 ) | TrackBack

Remember when we wrote letters to Whitefish and Spearfish High Schools, asking them to change their name to Sea Kitten High School? Well after browsing through our iPods, we at peta2 think there are a few bands out there that might want to consider changing their names to spread a more positive message for animals.

Here are a few band names that I'm suggesting to be changed ASAP:

Meat Puppets: Oh, 90's alternative rock, how I've missed you! If you were in High School rocking your flannel and combat boots, I know you know all the words to "Backwater" just like I do. Maybe as the Tofu Puppets they can make a spongy grungy comeback.

Meat Loaf: I would do anything for delicious food, but it won't be meat! Meatloaf, do us all a favor and change your name to Lentil Loaf. Not only does Lentil Loaf have a nicer ring with that extra syllable, but it won't rot in your colon!

Cattle Decapitation: They're a band full of vegetarians, so we think this death metal band should trade their name for Cattle Appreciation to match their ethical beliefs. This might not sound as "metal", but I assure you, cows are more badass than you might think.

Pet Shop Boys: If Oprah did an entire show exposing the abuse of pet stores and puppy mills, and you've still got "pet shop" in your name, you know you're in for it. C'mon guys, get with the times! Change your name to the Animal Shelter Boys and show everyone that adoption is truly the only way to go. I might be even more inclined to listen to "West End Girls" for the 2,000th time. Just sayin', I love that song!

Deerhunter: Calling all Pitchfork Media lurkers! Wouldn't you say it's about time for this acclaimed indie band to change their name to Deerhugger? Not only does their music seem more appropriate for a deer hugging session, rather than the killing of innocent animals, but they'd only have to change three letters to make this happen. Is that really asking too much?

Leathermouth: As a huge fan of the "horror punk" genre, I must say that I'm already in love with what I've heard from Sexiest Vegetarian winner, Frank Iero's band, Leathermouth. The one thing I could do without is the name. My worst possible nightmare would be a mouth made of chemically treated cow skin that would otherwise rot. Pleathermouth—with only one extra letter—however, sounds delicious.

The Stray Cats: The Stray Cats are known for helping pioneer the rockabilly scene with hits like "Stray Cat Strut" and "Rock This Town", but they would be known for helping spread a positive message about animal birth control with their new name, The Spayed Cats.

Skinny Puppy: These industrial pioneers were known for speaking out in favor of animal rights, be it with anti-vivisection songs like "Testure" or Nivek Ogre's theatrical stage antics. With the name Well Fed Puppy their mission would be a bit more obvious.

Reel Big Fish: Fish? What fish? I have no idea what you're talking about. If you're talking about the adorable creatures of the sea with whiskers, you must be talking about Sea Kittens. There will be no reeling of sea kittens here, but Pulin does admit to skanking at a Reel Big Fish show back in the day. Yep, I said it! Sorry Pulin, but you'll now be skanking to Real Big Sea Kittens.

Pig Destroyer: After knowing that the only difference between pigs and dogs are the way that we treat them (Woof! campaign, anyone?), I propose that this metal band should change their name to Pig Enjoyer. Enjoy pigs for the amazing animals that they are, not for their flesh!

Disclaimer: See also: "tongue in cheek", "humor", "I'm kidding", and "J/K"

Are there any other bands out there that you think could change their names to spread a more positive message? Comment with your ideas below!

Why Are They Hatin' On Sea Kittens? January 22, 2009

Posted by Pulin Modi at January 22, 2009 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 11 ) | TrackBack

While we've received a lot of positive feedback about our Save The Sea Kittens campaign, some people have been less than amused at our light-hearted request for Spearfish High School in South Dakota to change its name to "Sea Kitten High." Maybe they missed the part where we said it was all tongue-in-cheek (not to be confused with the reality of a hook in the mouth which is common practice for sea kitten hunters)? Calm down folks. Breathe deeply. Exhale. Everything will be ok.

Some creative folks over in Spearfish had the idea to make some
Sea Kitten shirts (well, technically anti-Sea Kitten, but it gets people talking about animals so we're thrilled) to raise some much needed cash to build a Spartan (their current mascot) head. Smooth move! You just have to respect people who recognize an opportunity to do something other than whine.

And who are we to miss a great chance to keep the dialogue going about these kittens of the sea? We just sent Spearfish High School a bunch of our own original Sea Kitten shirts for the school to sell towards their good cause of building that Spartan head out in front of the school gym.

Create Your Own Sea Kitten at peta2.com!

Thanks to Principal Morford and all the students and community members for understanding that schools exist to provide learning experiences beyond the pages of a textbook. We wish you the best of luck with this fundraising initiative! Promise us no animals will be harmed in the making of the statue, will ya?

We're All Over The News January 12, 2009

Posted by Pulin Modi at January 12, 2009 1:53 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 5 ) | TrackBack

I sit here at PETA HQ every day and come across a ton of stories in which animal rights, vegetarianism and veganism, and peta2 are discussed. It's incredibly inspiring to know that the work we are all doing is making such a difference. Thank you!

Here are some samples of recent articles in the news:

• "George the giant lobster liberated from restaurant" from CNN

• "PETA: Spearfish school should be called Sea Kitten" from The Associated Press which ran in papers all over the world!

• "Thank you veggie much, James" from the Liverpool Echo

• "City health chief's food fight targets meat" from the Chicago Tribune which includes a quote, "(i)f it walks, runs, hops, flies, swims, crawls or slithers, I won't eat it. If it has eyes, I won't eat it. If it had a momma and a daddy, I won't eat it..."

  Which is your favorite story?

Know Anyone at Sea Kitten High School? January 7, 2009

Posted by Marta at January 7, 2009 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 35 ) | TrackBack

No? Well, maybe that's because Sea Kitten High School doesn't exist ... yet.

Today, our very own Dan Shannon wrote letters to Whitefish High School in Montana and Spearfish High School in South Dakota, asking the schools to change their names to Sea Kitten High School, to reflect the gentle nature of their current marine namesakes.

In case you're not hip to sea kittens, let me catch you up to speed: We want to give fish a break. People don't seem to like fish very much, considering how terribly they're treated. By calling fish sea kittens, we're hoping people start thinking of fish a little differently—and remember the fact that sea kittens feel pain just as animals like the purring kittens we share our homes with do.

Dan writes, "Most parents would never dream of spending a family weekend torturing kittens, but hooking a fish through their mouths and pulling them through the water is just as painful as hooking a cat's mouth and dragging him or her behind a car. We're hoping that this name change will encourage people young and old to start treating these gentle 'kittens of the sea' with respect—and show them the kindness that they deserve."

Think about it: A name change is a great way to get people thinking about an issue.

Let me know your thoughts. Would you want to go to Sea Kitten High School?

Sea Puppies?! January 2, 2009

Posted by Rachel-O at January 2, 2009 8:37 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBack

First there were sea kittens. Now, I give you sea puppies:

Volkswagen's commercial for the new SpaceFox car shows a half-dog, half-fish animal and his loving guardian. We think it's sweet that this "sea puppy" (as I like to call him) is his human's best friend, and it even reminded us of our campaign, of course!

Sea puppies, other than being adorable—give people the wake up call that all animals feel, whether they're cute and cuddly like your dog, or a little scaly like a fish. You wouldn't kill someone and eat them because you didn't like the way they look, would you? And you certainly wouldn't kill and eat your dog. Put it together people—fish aren't swimming veggies, and there's nothing cute or compassionate about eating them! Oh yeah—and if anyone tries to tell you that fish don't feel pain, you can ask them if they still think the world is flat, too.

PETA is nominating Volkswagen for a Glitterbox Award! Glitterbox Awards are given to companies that portray animals in a positive manner, and we think VW is quite deserving in this case.

We know that dogs and fish both need love, so it's awesome that Volkswagen can encourage the world to think of them as intelligent creatures who can be part of the family—not part of dinner.

Free Stuff Friday: peta2 Pencil Set! December 12, 2008

Posted by Tiffany Wright at December 12, 2008 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 492 ) | TrackBack

Have you checked out our brand new set of No. 2 pencils yet? This six-pack of pencils features our most popular characters, including the "Fish Are Friends, Not Food" sea kittens, the "Love Me, Don't Eat Me" piggy, and, of course, the "I Am Not a Nugget" chick.

Super cute right? Well you'll only find 'em here and, this Free Stuff Friday, we're giving away FIVE sets. Just comment below with what pencil design you like the most for your chance to win. This contest ends December 19th and the five lucky winners will be notified by December 23rd.

Just so you know...by commenting here, you're acknowledging that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy.

Also by commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.

- Tiffany

P.S. If you win, don't let anyone borrow them 'cause you won't get them back!

Saving Fish And Eating Chips At The Same Time! December 11, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi at December 11, 2008 7:17 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

Sarah from peta2 UK has another guest blog for you, and this time, it's about sea kittens! Fish and chips?! I think not.
-Pulin

Okay okay...so I'm a bit late in creating my Sea Kitten but it really has taken me this long to decide what accessories my Sea Kitten should have!

So without further ado I present to you King Cool!

I know you are jealous of King Cool's style (don't deny it...!), so all I can say is hurry up and create your own, then post it on your MySpace, Facebook or Bebo page for all to see! Why the rush?! Billions of fish are killed in cruel ways for food every year and the cruelty seems to go un-noticed. Like most animals who are raised for food, fish too are 'farmed' in filthy conditions or pulled from their homes in nets and left to suffocate.

Whilst I'm proud to be British, I do not however enjoy the 'traditional culinary delight' that is in fact fish with my chips on a Friday night—fish who've been hooked in the face—youch.

Remember Save Fish—Eat Chips!

Keep on swimmin'.

P.S.- You should post one of these cool banners on your page too...

Sea Kitten Stories November 5, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi at November 5, 2008 8:49 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBack

What was your favorite bed time story when you were little?

I really liked The Poky Little Puppy and all those Mr. Men (I identify most with Mr. Nonsense) and Little Miss books.

It would have been cool if I was around some stories with a strong animal rights type of message, though. So that's why I thought it would be nice to mention the sea kitten bedtime stories.

If you have a couple minutes, you can flip through the book online!

Other than the fact that sea kittens are underappreciated animals, the story and images are really cute!

read

Oh how I love to read!

-Pulin