PETA pulls “save the whales” ad
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has announced what it calls a billboard swap that has pulled the controversial “Save the Whales” billboard comparing an overweight woman to a whale, which was posted in Jacksonville, Florida.
The new ad says “GONE: Just like all the pounds lost by people who go vegetarian.”
PETA reports that it was inundated with calls and e-mails since the billboard first appeared, but for the most part those comments have been positive.
One mom says she’ll now go veg
In a blog post about the change, PETA notes that many of the comments it has received are from people interested in trying a vegetarian diet. That number includes Ali Bond-Smith, a mom of six who says she’s in publicity, runs a website called Heart Mom and lives in Oregon, who told PETA:
Many feel the billboards were cruel to the obese and uncalled for on PETA’s part. I think what happens in the lives of ‘meat animals’ is cruel. . . . I’m ready to take your 30-day no-meat challenge. . . . I’d be willing to weigh in before and after a month of no meat and indeed see if losing the meat has helped me begin to lose the blubber.
The blog post notes that the group will keep an eye on Bond-Smith’s progress. You can also follow her on Twitter if you’re really interested.
PETA says it paid for ad
Christine Dore from PETA tells us that the organization paid to have the original billboard installed and that typically, when advertising space is donated, it comes in the form of television, radio or print advertising.
The contract on the billboard space was through September 2, 2009, and the original ad was erected August 5.
Vegetarians tend to be leaner
PETA notes that just making the switch to a vegetarian diet should be helpful for people like Bond-Smith to get healthier because studies have shown that vegetarians tend to weigh 10 to 20 pounds less than people who eat meat.
The group also notes other health benefits such as a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.