“When will Smithfield prohibit hiring or contracting with drivers who have repeated driving-related convictions or were found to have been at fault in any crash?” That’s the question a PETA representative will ask tomorrow at the annual meeting of WH Group, the parent company of Smithfield Foods, Inc., in Hong Kong.
PETA, which purchased stock in Smithfield last year, notes that just last week, a Smithfield truck carrying nearly 200 pigs in Suffolk, Virginia, overturned—the 18th crash of a truck heading to a single slaughterhouse that the group has documented. In response, PETA plans to place a billboard in the area to honor the pigs’ memory.
The driver involved in last week’s crash was cited for failure to maintain control of the vehicle. Another Smithfield driver who rolled a truck last November—killing numerous pigs—had multiple driving-related convictions, including for reckless driving. Others have been charged with speeding after collisions and for other driving violations.
“Truck crashes leave pigs mangled and bloody, and those who aren’t killed on impact suffer for hours, crying out from overturned trailers,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “Smithfield is already responsible for so much animal suffering, and PETA is calling on the company to spare pigs the additional pain and fear caused when reckless drivers take the wheel.”
Before loading them into slaughterhouse-bound trucks, the meat industry squeezes mother pigs into narrow metal stalls barely larger than their bodies and keeps them almost constantly pregnant or nursing. Workers chop off piglets’ tails, cut their teeth with pliers, and castrate the males—all without any pain relief. At the slaughterhouse, workers hang pigs upside down—sometimes while still conscious—and slit their throats.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
During Lamar Advertising’s recent annual meeting, the company replied to PETA’s question—namely, why it refuses to run the group’s “Too Hot for Spot and Tot” ad and other lifesaving messages—by stating outright that it will keep rejecting all of PETA’s copy.
In response, PETA sent Lamar CEO Sean Reilly a letter today (available here) outlining the many ways in which the group has been acting in good faith, from adhering to Lamar’s copy acceptance policy to suggesting that PETA run all creatives by a designated point person.
“If Lamar ran PETA’s ads, it could help save dogs’ and children’s lives,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “We’re asking the company to stop being petty and start living up to its own policy of supporting advertisers’ First Amendment rights and promoting worthy community causes.”
More information about PETA’s shareholder question is available here.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Summer is just around the corner—plus, the long Memorial Day weekend is coming up—and we’ve found some supplies for warm-weather fun in the sun that are sure to become your favorites. These PETA Business Friends have the vegan and cruelty-free items you crave, and you’ll get special deals that can only be found here.
7th Heaven has skin-care products that are bright, colorful, and uplifting as well as very effective. Warmer weather brings its own set of skin concerns, and 7th Heaven has solutions to cleanse, detox, decrease shine, and minimize pores.
You’ve got good energy coming this summer, so make sure your mantras match. Omshala is a luxury vegan brand offering accessories embellished with unique, hand-beaded designs and mantras. This lovely, spacious Henna bag incorporates beaded symbols like a peacock to celebrate “the richness of life, paisley for good luck, flowers for happiness, and vines and leaves representing devotion and vitality.”
NOIZE is always friendly to animals and the environment, no matter the season. Not just a trusted outerwear company, it has the comfiest loungewear in fun colors and patterns for when you’re in chill mode. You can chill even more knowing that these styles and others are made of post-consumer recycled water bottles to help the planet further. Use coupon code PETASS21 for a 20% discount.
Thinking of camping or hiking over the holiday weekend? Fuel your dog on the go with v-dog, which makes 100% vegan food and treats. Its kibble is complete and balanced, with everything your dog needs to thrive. New customers can use coupon code “PETA” for $5 off all products. (One use per customer.)
For amazing smoothies, you have to try Nuzest. There’s a variety of flavors of Clean Lean Protein, so you can mix and match to make any of your smoothie dreams come true. You can try baking with it, too—Rich Chocolate makes delicious vegan protein brownies. Take 15% off your order with coupon code “PETA.”
Your summer style might mean getting colorful manicures on a frequent basis, and you deserve a healthy, pleasant polish experience. YAPA Beauty is free of the major toxins often associated with nail polish. With healthier ingredients, it lets you breathe a sigh of relief. Use code PETA30 to get 30% off your entire purchase.
L.A. Girl Cosmetics has vegan options in mesmerizing colors for long-lasting wear. This affordable luxury cosmetics brand inspires beauty by creating new ways to ignite individual expression through the art of color. Use code LAGxPETA20 for 20% off.
Making messes can be fun, but cleanup is a drag. ZolaTerra helps make it smoother and more enjoyable with its line of plant-powered cleaning products that are safe to use around kids and companion animals. The All-Purpose Cleaner is great for your whole space.
O2 Monde transforms plants into serious fashion, like these vegan calf-skin Makoma slingbacks. This luxury shoe brand is recreating and shifting the fashion world with each beautiful pair of shoes, holistic and eco-friendly in every aspect. Use coupon code PETA15 for 15% off.
We love the magic that goes into durable, high-quality fashion made of recycled materials, and The Sak puts that sustainable magic to work in its Mendocino Collection of hand-crocheted bags made of recycled water bottles for ethically recovered plastic. Take 15% off your order with code PETA15.
Do you have tired muscles and achy joints? You’re in need of a rescue—and the ReSqu Line from Très Spa has products so special that an entire website is dedicated to it, although you can find it and other delightful personal-care products on the Très Spa site, too. Très Spa’s full-spectrum CBD is ohana-grown with an aloha spirit, and it shows. ReSqu CBD formulas are nutrient-rich and very soothing. Use PETA10 for 10% off.
For smooth, rich nail color, get your hands on 786 Cosmetics’ halal nail polish inspired by beautiful areas around the globe. From Kashmir’s muted purple to the deep red of Agra, there’s a color for every skin tone. Take 15% off your order with code PETAMAY.
Plant Based TeleHealth has physicians available across the U.S. and internationally who provide medical care that supports your vegan lifestyle.
Humidity can do a number on your hair, and a helpful way to fight it is with more moisture. You’ll love the way Mixed Chicks’ nonsticky, lightweight hair products define and moisturize your locks. Load up on the great vegan options and get 25% off with code “PETA.”
Taking vitamins has never been easier. DR. SPRAY’S® proprietary formulas provide advanced nutrition in the convenience of a spray. There are more than 10 varieties, including Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Vitamin C With Zinc, Somna (Sleep), and Iron Boost.
For many children, summer vacation is just on the horizon. Keep them learning in a fun way with a great read like DOGGY BAGGY’s The Circus Elephant That Wouldn’t Perform, which tells the story of a young elephant taken from her home in nature to perform in a circus and how she got her freedom back. With versions in English, Danish, and German, this book can provide an educational look into multiple languages. Each purchase through this link initiates a $1 donation to PETA’s work for animals.
PETA pushed for a disclaimer for Cruella urging audiences not to buy dogs, and the following message now appears during the film’s credits: “Every dog deserves a loving home. If you’re ready for the commitment of pet ownership, please consider visiting your local animal rescue to find the right pet for you.”
Below, please find a statement from PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange:
“Talk about a Disney ending! When PETA heard that Cruella was in the works, we reminded the House of Mouse that animal shelters were flooded with Dalmatians reportedly bought and discarded by 101 Dalmatians fans 25 years ago. We urged the studio to add an “adopt, don’t shop” disclaimer, so we’re howling with joy to see Disney’s on-screen message encouraging viewers to give dogs in shelters their happily ever after.”
PETA notes that “adopt, don’t shop” is a black-and-white issue: Breeders and pet stores churn out litter after litter of puppies, even though an estimated 70 million dogs and cats in the U.S. are homeless at any given time, an estimated 10% of whom end up in animal shelters. PETA and Disney encourage everyone ready for the lifetime commitment of caring for an animal to adopt from their local shelter.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
