293 - The Woman Who Started a Revolution: 75-year-old PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk

In 1980, Ingrid Newkirk co-founded People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), revolutionizing the animal rights movement. As PETA's president, she has led the organization to become the world's largest animal rights group, known for its groundbreaking campaigns and significant societal changes. Under her leadership, PETA has conducted undercover investigations, organized high-profile protests, and engaged in corporate negotiations and legislative efforts, saving countless animals’ lives.

 

Ingrid returns to our show to discuss her legacy, the challenges she’s faced, the victories she’s achieved, and her vision for the future. We’ll explore how her tireless advocacy has elevated global standards for compassion and humane practices. Additionally, she will share actionable steps listeners can take, both big and small, to make a meaningful impact in the fight for animal rights.

 

“Yes, it's a bit shocking to realize that that lovely hamburger with, you know, maybe the dancing cow on the label, didn't come from anything nice at all. It came from privation and misery. So, we showed the truth. But what I would say is, what's truly shocking, what's truly extreme, what's horrifying, is what actually happens to animals. And that is what we have an obligation to keep saying to people, have a look, have a look, act as if you care, because I think you think that you're a kind person, a decent individual.  You would teach your children the golden rule of do unto others as you would have them do unto you. So let's act that way. Let's not just say we care. Let's actually care. It's not really hard. So here's what you need to do.”  - Ingrid Newkirk

 

What we discuss in this episode:

- Changes in the world since PETA’s inception.

- PETA’s successful tactics and numerous victories.

- Why animal testing is not only cruel but also yields unreliable results.

- The CARGO Act.

- Inherent flaws in the no-kill movement. 

- The truth about the wool and down feather industries.

- Cruelty in the production of coconut products from Thailand, and what you can do to fight against it.

- Current PETA campaigns and how you can get involved.

 

Resources:

- PETA’s website: https://www.peta.org/

- PETA’s campaigns: https://www.peta.org/action/campaigns/

- Ingrid Newkirk’s books: Ingrid Newkirk: books, biography, latest update - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ingrid-Newkirk/author/B001IOBH7C?

- Switch4Good podcast episode 87: Animals Are Not Ours with PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk - Switch4Good - https://switch4good.org/animals-are-not-ours-with-peta-founder-ingrid-newkirk/

 

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