"If you buy a dog, what will you do with the shelter dog you kill?" This is the question that PETA poses in its newest ad, "Everyday Dogs." The haunting video portrays dogs engaged in everyday activities with humans -- except all of these pups are in body bags.
While KCBS-TV in Los Angeles originally agreed to air the ad, they recently reversed their decision, calling the ad "distasteful." PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange responded, "Yes, the ad is distasteful--that's the whole point. There is absolutely nothing 'tasteful' about the euthanasia of millions of dogs in animal shelters every year simply because people who could have opened their homes to a shelter dog purchased a dog from a breeder or pet store instead."
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), nearly half of the dogs that are sent to shelters are killed because nobody will adopt them. Seven out of ten cats are killed. PETA estimates that up to 4 million animals are euthanized in shelters each year.
Some pet owners argue that they are looking for a specific animal breed that is hard to find through adoption. Beyond adopting, you can prevent the cycle of strays by spaying and neutering your own pets.
The ASPCA website provides more information on pet adoption. You can also check out PetFinder.com to not only find an adorably adoptable pet, but also procrastinate for hours cooing over these cuddly creatures!
Do you think PETA's newest ad drives home an important point, or takes the message too far? Weigh in with our poll below, and let us know what you think in the comments.
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