ChiKat

When I gave money earlier this year to Peta, I had reservations about doing so. I support a lot of their campaigns, especially the ones that raise awareness about the heinous things done to minks to make a fur coat (a soft, luxurious, wonderful fur coat…sigh).

They also publish the Caring Consumer Guide, which is a simple and easy way to know what cosmetic products are tested on fluffy little bunnies (Hello, L'Oreal!) and which are cruelty-free (Hello, Revlon!).

In short, they've done a lot of good things. But right now their website is triumphantly announcing that Gloria Steinem has written a letter to the NIH "blasting animal 'models' as being irrelevant."

I'm all for ending unnecessary animal testing. I don't think that any rabbit should have its skinned burned off just so I can shampoo my hair. But animal models do have a place in science. They are a critical part of the drug-testing process.

Peta has done some great things to make sure laboratory animals are treated as humanely as possible. They are willing to compromise with scientists and allow animal testing when it is done as humanely as possible. I'm all for that.

But how can I feel good about their practices when they turn around and support the outlandish announcement that animal models are irrelevant?