People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA; /ˈpiːtə/) is an American animal rights nonprofit organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, and led by Ingrid Newkirk, its international president. PETA says that its entities have more than 9 million members globally.
Logo used since 1980 | |
| Founded | March 22, 1980 |
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| Founders | |
| Type | 501(c)(3) |
| Focus | Animal rights |
| Location |
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President | Ingrid Newkirk |
Senior VP, Campaigns | Dan Mathews |
Revenue | US$66.3 million (2020) |
| Website | www |
Founded in March 1980 by Newkirk and animal rights activist Alex Pacheco, the organization first gained attention in the summer of 1981 during what became known as the Silver Spring monkeys case. The organization opposes factory farming, fur farming, animal testing, and other activities it considers to be exploitation of animals.
The organization has been widely criticized for its controversial campaigns and euthanasia use, the latter of which has resulted in legal action and a response from Virginia lawmakers.