PETA undermines science and scientists

Abstract

On behalf of the National Association for Biomedical Research and our more than 360 institutional members nationwide, I write to express concerns regarding the News Feature “The insurgent” (23 January, p. [366][1]), in which D. Grimm profiled Justin Goodman of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The article devotes the majority of its space to what easily could be interpreted as an endorsement of Goodman and PETA. PETA is an organization that has long been publicly opposed to the use of animals in biomedical research. Goodman, a well-known animal rights activist, has made clear his personal mission of vilifying research. An online article by PETA promoting Goodman's actions refers to biomedical research facilities as “torture chambers” and notes that he has organized campaigns to end research with nonhuman primates, even going so far as to chain himself to an iron fence at the University of Connecticut's 125th anniversary celebration in protest ([ 1 ][2]). Goodman and PETA were also permitted to present a poster at last year's AAAS Annual Meeting in Chicago, where they cited data that the number of Americans believing that ethical animal research is “morally wrong” was on the rise ([ 2 ][3]). For years, many biomedical researchers, their staff, and their families have been egregiously targeted by PETA and understandably are demoralized. It is shocking that Science would take the time and effort to highlight and chronicle the sentiments of someone whose sole mission is to derail biomedical research that is dependent on animal models. 1. [↵][4]Peta2, Justin Goodman: Exposing the Torture Chamber ([www.peta2.com/heroes/justin-goodman/][5]). 2. [↵][6]EurekAlert, “New study shows growing opposition to animal tests” ([www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-02/pfte-nss021314.php][7]). [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.347.6220.366 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [5]: http://www.peta2.com/heroes/justin-goodman/ [6]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2 in text [7]: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-02/pfte-nss021314.php