V I A N N E   P A T T E R S O N

One of the things that really surprised me when I became involved in showing Siberians is the animosity felt towards the “PETA People”. They seem to be regarded as devil spawn. My thoughts about PETA, though not frequent, are along the lines of, “well, they are very extreme, but I am glad they care so much”. This is not a view popularly held in the fancy, as I soon found out. A reading of the online Siberian sites contain many unfriendly reactions to PETA activities and they are vilified whenever possible.

Still, it is puzzling. Why should we not find some common causes, when we seem to be both pursuing animal welfare? Aren’t we?

Not Always. It is hard to escape the impression that PETA gets caught up in the activist role, sometimes working against positive outcomes. It was soon apparent – when I looked into the stands PETA takes on various animal rights issues, that they have a very wide scope and are uncompromising- traits to be admired in some respects, but not very likeable when they come too close to our interests.
 
This is also complicated by half-baked knowledge in some cases.

Nothing was a more startling example of this than the evening I watched TV comedian Bill Mahar – who claims to be a Director of PETA- talking about sled races. “Of course” he said, “any animal will run when you are cracking a big whip over his head”. This ignorance from a Director!!!  These negatives apply to PETA’s involvement in Animal Rights Legislation, and specifically broadening powers to prosecute against Puppy Mill operators. They are only one of many who see a need for effective legislation that would empower local authorities, but they have a high profile.  We should support some form of legislation that will allow for effective prosecution of Puppy Mill operators. It means some form of limit on breeding practices, but this would not impact a responsible breeder.
Unfortunately, PETA wants all breeding to stop, and this unrealistic stand imperils humane limits. There are also those in the fancy who oppose any measures to legislate sanctions, claiming “thin edge of the wedge”. Strangely, often the protest centers on fears of government interference with breeders, and in the next breath claims government would be incompetent to enforce legislation on inhumane violators anyway.

We may not agree with PETA or their tactics but we should take action against this horrible wrong that needs to be stopped.