Can a Catholic support PETA in good conscience in light of their controversial protests and other things?

[Holly3278]

Hi everyone. I receive mail from PETA every now and then because back when I was more liberal, I put my name on their mailing list. Now, they want me to fill out a short survey and send it back in. I also have some mailing labels with my address on them for me to use. Would it be ethical for me to take part in their survey and/or use their free gifts in light of their controversial protests and such?

 

[Joe_5859]

Hi everyone. I receive mail from PETA every now and then because back when I was more liberal, I put my name on their mailing list. Now, they want me to fill out a short survey and send it back in. I also have some mailing labels with my address on them for me to use. Would it be ethical for me to take part in their survey and/or use their free gifts in light of their controversial protests and such?

Answering their survey or using their address labels does not constitute “support” for the organization. In fact, by remaining on their mailing list, you are slowly but surely defunding their organization.

So I would say there are no problems here. But then, I use those address labels wherever I can get them!

Actually, it could be a real benefit for them to receive survey results from a solid Catholic. If only their supporters answer their surveys, they will start to think that everyone must be of one mind with them. It would be beneficial for them to receive your unique (Catholic) point of view.

 

[Holly3278]

Answering their survey or using their address labels does not constitute “support” for the organization. In fact, by remaining on their mailing list, you are slowly but surely defunding their organization.

So I would say there are no problems here. But then, I use those address labels wherever I can get them!

Actually, it could be a real benefit for them to receive survey results from a solid Catholic. If only their supporters answer their surveys, they will start to think that everyone must be of one mind with them. It would be beneficial for them to receive your unique (Catholic) point of view.

Hmmm, good point! I will fill out the survey and send it back in and I will keep the address labels for future use.

 

[1ke]

Depends on how the survey is worded. If they have options that you can answer in an authentically Catholic way, then do so. [for example: Should animals have the same rights as people? Yes/No.]

If the items are framed in ways that the answers imply support of PETA-- throw it away. [for example: Which method of protest is best? Throwing paint on people wearing fur/throwing garbage on people wearing fur]

And, as for the address labels-- depends on whether they have PETA logo/advertising on them or not. Could definitely be scandalous for a recipient to get a labe with PETA logo/website/etc on it. If they just have puppies on them or something, then I don’t see a problem.

I’d probably have them take me off the list if it were me.

 

[Joe_5859]

Depends on how the survey is worded. If they have options that you can answer in an authentically Catholic way, then do so. [for example: Should animals have the same rights as people? Yes/No.]

If the items are framed in ways that the answers imply support of PETA-- throw it away. [for example: Which method of protest is best? Throwing paint on people wearing fur/throwing garbage on people wearing fur]

And, as for the address labels-- depends on whether they have PETA logo/advertising on them or not. Could definitely be scandalous for a recipient to get a labe with PETA logo/website/etc on it. If they just have puppies on them or something, then I don’t see a problem.

I’d probably have them take me off the list if it were me.

Those are good points to consider. In regards to the logo on the address labels, generally, the logos are to the left of the name and address. Thus, it makes it easy to trim off any logos before using them. That’s what I do anyway.

 

[edwest2]

For Catholics who are not aware, PETA has had “protesters” hold signs while nude in public. They published a comic book that told kids that dad was addicted to killing. The cover showed a man gutting a fish with murderous glee.

So, no, supporting PETA is a bad idea. Better, I think, to support your local animal shelter.

Peace,
Ed

 

[Bluegoat]

PETA is a strange organization. They do some bizzare things. But they are certainly very committed and take what they think is true as far as they can. Some of their ideas seem far out to me.

The survey I might fill out. But in general, I think I might support other types of animal rights groups instead - there are many that I think are more moral or have a better overall approach. There are also often some local wildlife related issues that could use funding - salmon rivers, polar bears, piping plovers, whatever. I think there might even be some Catholic groups related to animal abuse. And local animal shelters, rescue groups etc are always worthwhile.

 

[Newbie2]

Depends on how the survey is worded. If they have options that you can answer in an authentically Catholic way, then do so. [for example: Should animals have the same rights as people? Yes/No.]

If the items are framed in ways that the answers imply support of PETA-- throw it away. [for example: Which method of protest is best? Throwing paint on people wearing fur/throwing garbage on people wearing fur]

And, as for the address labels-- depends on whether they have PETA logo/advertising on them or not. Could definitely be scandalous for a recipient to get a labe with PETA logo/website/etc on it. If they just have puppies on them or something, then I don’t see a problem.

I’d probably have them take me off the list if it were me.

Almost guaranteed the questions are leading, stuff like “Do you think it’s right to slaughter baby animals just to make fur collars for expensive coats?” or Do you think it’s right if animals suffer every day of their lives just so people can eat a hambuger?"

I’d use the labels, and cut off the part of the label that says PETA. Then write them and ask for more.

But as has been said, save your money to contribute to your local animal shelter.

 

[Joe_5859]

Holly,

Now we’re all curious (or maybe it’s just me ). What kind of questions are on this survey?

 

[Holly3278]

Holly,

Now we’re all curious (or maybe it’s just me ). What kind of questions are on this survey?

Well, it basically asks questions like “Were you aware of the trade in cat and dog fur before reading this letter?” and “Were you aware that fur traders use methods including drowning, bludgeoning, and skinning alive in order to save money and avoid damage to fur?”