Hounding the hound

A non-profit organisation founded in 1980,PETA has more than two million supporters and members worldwide,and has been dealing with cruelty against animals by campaigning and advertising against it. Newkirk believes that celebrity involvement boosts campaigning as people across the globe relate to their stars and their involvement creates a sense of togetherness.

“Life is a wonderful opportunity to help and these stars help us in achieving it,” she says. “Nobody wants to be cruel,unknowingly we become so and that’s where general awareness is required on a larger scale to provide a better and secure life to creatures who are unable to express themselves,” she adds.

“We have been actively involved in countries like Spain,US,Thailand,China along with India,where there are lots of cases of brutality towards animals,” says Newkirk. She also opines,“The cavemen era may be over but there is evidence of badly bitten animals,those who deserve our love and care are suffering the most.”

She also revealed her meetings with sugar barons in Solapur and Sangli where bullock carts are used to transport sugarcane to factories. Newkirk strongly believes that a lot can be done. “Our small efforts can do wonders in improving the conditions of animals. We need to raise our voices – voices that can be heard and voices that can change the whole scenario,” she says.

“Pune is PETA’s home and it still has what other cities have lost,” says Newkirk. Revealing her future plans,she informs that after Hyderabad,she has programmes lined up in Delhi and

Mumbai including the anniversary celebration at Mumbai that will keep her busy and signs off with the message,“Buy,wear,eat and have fun in a cruelty-free manner.”