I Am An Animal Story of Newki

After much begging from my animal activist friend, I reluctantly agreed to watch this film, certain that my belief that PETA people all had a screw or two loose would remain unchanged.

But I had no idea how animals are abused to produce things we take for granted every day, like the hamburger I ate for lunch, or the soap I wash my clothes in. The undercover video footage from slaughterhouses, fur farms, and laboratories was so gut-wrenching, I had to turn away at some points. It made me ask myself, if I can't even watch what happens to animals in these industries, how can I continue supporting them with a clear conscience?

I Am an Animal really got to me. It's a must see for anyone who likes a thought provoking film. Even though I didn't go completely vegan overnight, it definitely made me think.

Thought you knew everything there was to know about PETA, the animal rights movement, and how animals are really treated before they're turned into a burger or a belt? Think again. You need to see this documentary.

Before I go any further, let me tell you that I've never been a big fan of PETA. One of the main reasons I didn't support them was because I didn't agree with their shock tactics. Then I watched the movie and found out how monkeys in labs are restrained and tortured, turkeys have their legs broken by cruel, indifferent workers, and live animals were once used as crash test dummies. All of these cruel acts are way more shocking than anything PETA could ever do!

Now instead of getting annoyed by protesters, I am enraged that there even has to be protesters to fight for what should be common, human decency toward animals. That said, I highly, highly recommend this movie. Filled with interviews from supporters and detractors, this documentary is surprisingly well-balanced. Not only does it provide you with an unbiased view of how animals are treated in this world, but it will also open your eyes and make you think twice about the food that you put into your mouth, and the clothes that you put on your back.

Ingrid Newkirk started and continues to run PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - the largest and most effective animal rights organisation in the world.

If there is indeed a balance of good and evil in the universe, as some metaphysicians claim, then Newkirk is a heavy-weight on the side of the angels. She has devoted most of her life to making us think about the conditions in which the rest of sentient life languishes, suffers and dies under the "dominion" of humanity.

This extraordinary look at Newkirk's life starts with her reading some of the foul, abusive correspondence which she receives every day from those who hate her for taking the covers off the mirrors and showing us as we are: sometimes callous, often greedy, usually apathetic. She and those who know her speak with total openness and candour of her background, methods and aims. PETA has a message about the inconsistency of our beliefs about what is "normal" - the way we love some animals and eat, wear or torment others. That message is so important that almost any means are justified in getting it heard, and PETA has pioneered media campaigns which have revolutionised advocacy, and which regularly get results against corporate interests with media budgets that would dwarf this not-for-profit organisation.

A fascinating story about one of the world's most interesting and influential women. Not to be missed.