Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photo courtesy of ingridnewkirk.com

Ingrid Newkirk sets example in “I Am An Animal”

By Kevin Casteel

krcasteel@vwc.edu

Ingrid Newkirk, co-founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), is a true modern day hero. Newkirk, as well as all 300 staff members at PETA, speaks up for animals, who have no voice.

Her documentary, “I Am An Animal,” directed by Matthew Galkin, airs on HBO and won Hampton Road’s International Film Festival’s Golden Starfish for Documentary Feature.

“I Am An Animal” is a public glimpse into Newkirk’s life as she saves abused animals and stages a protest in Paris against Jean Paul Gaultier, who is selling fur in his shop.

Newkirk said, “Knowing that I was at the mercy of the filmmakers was always worth it because in the end a huge audience sees the footage of PETA’s undercover investigations, learns what happens inside labs and slaughterhouses and to chained dogs -- things it is very hard or even impossible, given the ad dollars of the industry, for us to get aired on the networks.”

PETA, headquartered in Norfolk, is the largest animal rights organization in the world. Many people don’t understand the horrifying treatment that many animals go through.

“‘I Am an Animal’ is groundbreaking, showing the world that PETA’s campaigns are essential in bringing hidden documentation of commercial animal abuse to the public eye,” said David Salisbury, assistant activist liaison for entrainment and clothing. “This film gives the public an inside look at how things are done at PETA and why we do them.”

The main message that “I Am an Animal” brings is what kinds of things can be done to stop this cruelty to animals.

“It is HBO’s film, of course,” said Newkirk. “I want to open people’s hearts a little bit more. The film will be out on DVD in January. Show it to friends and associates.”

Newkirk found a driving force in her life and is working as hard as ever. When she dies, she wants to donate her body parts to make such things as coats, belts, and barbeque.

“Ingrid Newkirk is a true warrior,” said Salisbury. “I have held her as an example of how all people should consider the choices they make in their daily lives. “