Who speaks for animals?

Founded 1980

PETA

historytrade & commercialization

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was founded by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco. In its own words, animals are not ours to experiment on, eat, wear or use for entertainment. It is known for loud, shocking ads and protests, and it has pushed companies to drop fur and animal testing. It also runs a shelter in Norfolk, Virginia.

The shelter is PETA's sharpest controversy. Reports it files with Virginia show it euthanizes most of the dogs and cats it takes in (critics put 2025 near 60 percent). PETA answers that it is a 'shelter of last resort' that accepts sick, dying and unadoptable animals other shelters turn away. Read both sides.

Sources: PETA, About PETA; PETA, 'Does PETA kill animals?' (its answer); Duane Morris Animal Law blog, a critic (Feb 2026)

Photo: Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer), CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

1954, renamed 2025

Humane World for Animals (formerly the HSUS)

historyeconomics

The Humane Society of the United States, founded in 1954, renamed itself Humane World for Animals in February 2025, joining its international arm under one name. It lobbies for laws, backed ballot measures such as California's Proposition 12, campaigns against puppy mills and wildlife trade, and sends rescue teams to disasters.

Critics, including the industry-funded Center for Consumer Freedom, say donors confused it with local humane societies, which it does not run. It replies that it never claimed to run them and that it funds work across the country.

Sources: Humane World for Animals, About us; Humane World for Animals

Photo: Anil Öztas, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Since 1866

The ASPCA today

history

Henry Bergh's society still works from New York: an adoption center and animal hospital, an Animal Poison Control Center that answers calls nationwide, disaster response teams and grants to local shelters. It is not the parent of local 'SPCAs', which are separate groups.

Its emotional television appeals raise large sums, and critics ask how much reaches local animals. Look up a charity's yearly report before you give.

Sources: ASPCA, History of the ASPCA

Photo: 0x010C, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Founded 1979

The Animal Legal Defense Fund

history

A group of lawyers who use the courts for animals: suing over conditions at roadside zoos, helping prosecutors in cruelty cases, and challenging 'ag-gag' laws that made secret filming on farms a crime. Courts struck down several of those laws as limits on free speech.

Farm groups defend such laws as protecting private property and keeping disease off farms. Where would you draw the line?

Sources: ALDF, About us; Ag-gag

Photo: dhfischer, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Founded 1995

The Center for Consumer Freedom

economicstrade & commercialization

A Washington group started by the lobbyist Richard Berman with money from restaurant, food and tobacco companies. It runs campaigns against PETA and the Humane Society, including the website 'PETA Kills Animals', and argues that activists want to take meat, fur and pets away from ordinary people.

Its donors are not made public, and critics call it an industry front group. It says it defends consumers' choices. Ask of every source: who pays for it?

Sources: Center for Consumer Freedom

Photo: Hubertl, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Today

Farm groups: pork, eggs and beef

economicstrade & commercialization

Groups such as the National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation represent farmers. They back care standards, training and audits, but fought California's Proposition 12 all the way to the Supreme Court, arguing that one state should not set farming rules for the whole nation or raise everyone's food costs.

In 2023 the Court ruled 5-4 against them. Read the opinion's opening pages and list the strongest point on each side.

Sources: National Pork Producers Council v. Ross, opinion (2023); American Farm Bureau Federation

Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Since 1924

Zoos: the AZA seal

biologyhistory

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits zoos and aquariums that meet its standards for animal care, veterinary medicine, safety, conservation and education, and inspects them every five years. Most roadside zoos and private animal attractions are not accredited.

Critics say an industry grading itself is not enough; members say the standards are among the strictest anywhere. Visit the zoo's 'Should zoos exist?' exhibit for both sides.

Sources: AZA Accreditation; Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Photo: Clément Bardot, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons