'Animal rights' groups hold the deeply entrenched view that animals have the same rights as humans. They believe that it is never acceptable to use an animal for any reason. However animal welfare groups advocate the responsible use of animals for the benefit of society as long as it is accomplished humanely.

'Animal rights' groups are becoming increasingly radical and extremist in their statements and activities. This page records some of the alarming comments made by 'animal rights' leaders.

"Animal liberationists do not separate out the human animal, so there is no rational basis for saying that a human being has special rights. A rat is a pig is a dog is a boy, they're all mammals."
Vogue, September 1989 by Ingrid Newkirk, Founder, PeTA

"Even if animal research resulted in a cure for AIDS, we'd be against it."
Vogue, September 1989 by Ingrid Newkirk, Founder, PeTA

"We feel that animals have the same rights as a retarded human child."
New York Times, January 14, 1989 by Alex Pacheco

"Probably everything we do is a publicity stunt...We are not here to gather members, to please, to placate, to make friends. We're here to hold the radical line."
USA Today, September 3, 1991 by Ingrid Newkirk, Founder, PeTA

"We are a lazy, sick society. People bring diseases on themselves. They (people) should avoid getting the disease in the first place."
New York Magazine, November 7, 1994 by Dan Matthews, PeTA spokesman

"Pet ownership is an absolutely abysmal situation brought about by human manipulation."
Ingrid Newkirk, PeTA

"I will be overjoyed when the first scientist is killed by a liberation activist."
Vivien Smith, ALF spokesperson

"I could understand anyone who was so angered and troubled by animal abuse that they were driven to take a life."
Robin Webb, ALF spokesperson

"We recognise all animals on fur ranches as political prisoners of the war on nature, and shall strive to rescue them by any means necessary."
Rod Coronado, Newsletter, Yule 1991 Edition Vol.XII, No.2, 'Freedom for Fur Farm Prisoners'

"Launch your own campaign of sabotage against the fur industry...find a fur shop in your area and smash or etch its windows. Liquid steel ruins locks, bomb threats cost only a quarter. If you live in an area where furs are worn, fill a squirt bottle with red dye or battery acid and let fly. If you're presentable enough to go into a fur shop or department store, take a razor blade and slash the coats."
Rod Coronado, Newsletter, Yule 1991 Edition Vol.XII, No.2, 'Freedom for Fur Farm Prisoners'

"The life of an ant and the life of my child should be granted equal consideration."
Michael Fox, Vice President, Inhumane Society, Fox Publication

Acknowledgement to International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF)