Ask Ingrid Newkirk

How many pets do you have and what are they?

Seriously, breast milk?

Is there a single reason for the founding of PETA, or a collection of injustices against animals that got you started?

When are we going to see another naked PETA ad with Pamela Anderson?

What is PETA's stance on cloning animals for food or in-vitro meat?

You've inspired so many people, including me. Who inspires you?

So what is your opinion on Alaska's aerial hunting of the wolves?

What do you find is the most common trait among animal activists and plain animal lovers?

What milestones do you think the animal rights movement will accomplish in your lifetime?

People seem to be increasingly aware of the terrible conditions on factory farms, and we're starting to see some reforms (some legislative and some directly from the industry). Do you see this trend continuing steadily over many years, or do you think we may reach a critical mass at some point that results in faster change?

PETA has done so many great things for Animal Rights in the past, often through unusual, even social abrasive, methods. Has there ever been an action in the past that you would have done differently or thought it might have been taken too far, or even recieved more of an extreme reaction than you believed it should have?

What do you think of the facebook group. PETA- people eating tasty animals?

With hundreds of thousands of young children being abused every day as child soldiers, camel jockeys in Arabia or as child prostitutes. Don't you think the welfare of human beings trumps the welfare of animals in these dangerous times?

How will eliminating dairy products from our diets benefit the animals, the planet and our own health?

You have a new book out, One Can Make a Difference. I noticed that, unlike your other books, this one does not have as strong of an animal rights message as your previous books. Is there a reason for this and how do you think this book will help the animal rights movement?

Do you view any of PETA's current or past tactics as having been counter-productive to PETA's goals? If so, what were they?

Using human breast milk for ice cream seems a rather bizarre request; were you trying to make a point about using milk from a mom that moos vs one that doesn't?

PETA's (and your) animal rights philosophy is broad, addressing documentable issues of cruelty toward domesticated, farmed, and wild animals. For example, on page 205 of your previous book, MAKING KIND CHOICES, you write, "Studies have shown what common sense tells us: Like us, chickens form strong family ties and mourn when they lose a loved one, if allowed to do so." You have also made position statements to the San Francisco Chronicle (Wednesday, June 8, 2005) and on PETA.org (January 27, 2000), supporting automatic euthanization of all "pit bull" type dogs, and a legal ban on them. More specifically and recently, PETA recommended that all the dogs confiscated in the Michael Vick dogfighting case be summarily destroyed, although the majority of them were ultimately relinquished by law enforcement to various reputable rescue groups for rehabilitation and, when possible, adoption. Please, for once, fully explain the *logic* behind PETA's (and your) position on animal rights with regard to "pit bull" type dogs. To consider the feelings and instincts of a bird while, at the same time, deny an existing animal -- in fact, an entire multi-breed *type* of dog -- the possibility of a comfortable life seems to me utterly hypocritical and inhumane.

I joined peta in 1987 at 14 yrs old when I was forced to dissect a frog in biology. Peta had a great message, to treat animals ethically & kindly. Over the years, I have encountered many people that make fun of me for being a member of PETA because they have done some crazy things, but I have always continued my support. In the last couple of years, PETA members have said/done some really negative "over-the-top" antics, making them extremely counterproductive to the animal rights movement, turning people OFF. I'll admit, in recent times, I have been embarassed to be a PETA member. PETA used to have a great message, what has changed over the years?

Why is it that although PETA is the largest champion for animal rights in the world, you are quick to advocate euthanizing stray animals? Do homeless pets have fewer rights than pigs and chickens?

Animals kill each other in the wild. It's how nature works. As the most evolved of all the animals, why shouldn't we exercise the same privilege?

Twice a day, you take insulin that was tested on animals. Isn't that hypocritical?

Would you prevent one of your children from having life-saving treatment because that treatment had been developed using animal testing?

You have stated in the past that you wish your body to be turned into nuggets and eaten after your death. Is there a particular reason for this? Will there be a signup list?

Do you ever feel any guilt and/or responsibility for terrorist acts that have been committed in PETA's name?

I wonder how you would respond to accusations that your organization and its affiliates like the ALF put animal rights above human rights. In other words, why are you willing to ignore the rights of your fellow man to further the cause of animal rights. Surely if animals deserve to be free of torment, cruelty and abuse, humans deserve that as well. We are, after all, animals as well.