Thanks for the post. Yes in general PETA has become overly extreme. While I believe most people are in favor of the "Ethical treatment of Animals", PETA has become more of a religious organization where many follow their teachings blindly not understanding PETAs true goals.
One of the things that bothers me the most about PETA is the way they condemn zoos. It is true that historically zoos opened to entertain people using animals and they really did not focus on the welfare of the animals; however, today the best zoos in the country are institutions focused on conservation, educating the public (not entertaining the public) and captive breeding. I believe that there will be a time when zoos with be the only means of preventing extinction of various species. With the ever increasing population of humans the natural habitats of many species are being eradicated. As the population of humans increases so does their need for housing. Zoos (or wild animal parks) will be the only solution.
Also, PETA supporters who claim to have the animals welfare at heart are the same people who go to zoos and try to kill the animals which are exhibited (such as by throwing razorblades into sea lion pools). It is their belief that zoo animals would be better off dead than in zoos.
I will also include here that I believe some "PETA" supporters are just misinformed as to the PETA true intentions and are part of the organization because they truely are interested in the welfare of animals.
I welcome any and all feedback to this post.
