The U.S space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had recently announced that, it was in the process of carrying out an experiment that would give an insight into the effects of space travel. NASA plans to expose about 18 to 28 squirrel monkeys to low levels of radiation in an effort to determine the effects of prolonged stay of astronauts outside earth’s protective magnetic field.

Though NASA stated that, this project is in the name of ‘science‘, yet, several animal rights groups are infuriated with the idea of ‘radioactive monkeys’. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which is one of America’s biggest anti-animal testing group has infact initiated a campaign to spread awareness of the dangers that these animals face from the radiation and is urging the public to protest against this inhumane act and for NASA to scrap the project.

According to the organization,

“Radiation experiments involving nonhuman primates commonly involve restraint and other cruel procedures. Monkeys, like other primates, are highly intelligent, have strong family bonds, demonstrate empathy, and, most importantly, suffer.”

The PCRM also asserts on the fact that, along with the strapping of the animals and other cruel methods involved in such tests, there is considerable difference in the genetic make up of a primate and a human. This difference will become a hindrance to the experiment and no conclusive result can be extracted from such an experiment. The international animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA has also expressed its concerns towards the proposed NASA experiment and has stated that, even though NASA administration has assured that, the monkeys won’t be unethically treated, the fact remains that, previous such experiments have caused fatal cancers, including brain tumors in primates.

Via The Register.

Hypocrisy reigned at the airports as airport officials banned the new PETA ad starring Pamela Anderson from being played on airport TVs. The reason was simple, that the video ad was too racy and not appropriate enough for an airport where people of all ages could watch it.

If you take a close look at the video, you would know that there is nothing obscene or vulgar about the video, but just a little too uncomfortable for an industry that thrives on wool, fur, skins, leather and such other animal products. Perhaps, the airport officials do not want to air the advertisement because it goes down strongly against those who use fur, and mainly the fashion industry who have outlets in most major airports.

Playing a video like that might cause heavy losses to airports if people start feeling guilty and do not buy animal based products at airports. Except for that, there is nothing “racy” about the video and in fact it is quite twisted and has a dark sense of humour about using animal skin and wool. Of course, not many people would appreciate PETA’s cause for it is “boring”.

‘Cruelty Doesn’t Fly’—Learn More at PETA.org.

Via: Gadling

PETA has finally convinced Ad council to make a pledge against use of apes and gorillas in advertisements.  Yes, we owe it to our endangered and abused ancestors!

Good news for aspiring models/actors too.  Chimps were actually stealing the show and job assignments. There was this famous chimp playing drums in a Cadbury ad. There was another one stealing an undergarment in another commercial.  So chimps will lose their jobs and maybe their masters too. Is there any talk about rehab for these used, abused and now dumped chimps and apes? PETA should follow this up.

There are countless other animals often used in commercials. Dogs top the list. Dogs after all are the brand ambassadors of loyality! Even dogs, cats, birds and lesser animals face harsh training sessions to get the shot right. So there should be general ban on use of all animals. None of them have pan-cards and this is gross abuse.

This does not mean end of use of animals in advertising. This will certainly end the abuse and torture. Animal pictures, videos from the wild or pet pictures and videos can be used very effectively to put the same message across.

Via Adfreak