PETA wants military to stop using dolphins

UPI ^ | 04/01/03 | Chris H. Sieroty

[What Is Ain't]

WASHINGTON, April 1 (UPI) -- Animal-rights activists want U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld to order the military to stop using dolphins and other animals to detect mines or chemical attacks in the war in Iraq.

In a letter sent to Rumsfeld on Tuesday, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals contends that the troops deserve the best defense but that using animals this way is cruel and may cost lives instead of saving them.

The request follows reports that a 33-year-old dolphin, named Takoma who was charged with hunting for mines in the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr, went missing for more than 48 hours.

While dolphins are highly intelligent animals, they do not understand that lives depend on their assignments and they can be easily distracted from their missions, according to PETA.

The Pentagon recently announced that the U.S. Navy is using dolphins and sea lions to intercept terrorists and mines in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. Army and the Marines are using chickens and pigeons to detect biological and chemical weapons and dogs to detect weapons and rescue troops.

Messages left with the Navy seeking comment were not returned.

In her letter to Rumsfeld, PETA wildlife caseworker Stephanie Boyles also expressed concern over the use of chickens and pigeons in Kuwait, dozens of whom have died. The birds were sent to detect poison gas even though units stationed in the region have already been outfitted with chemical detection equipment.

"Wars are human endeavors," wrote Boyles. "While a person, a political party, or a nation may decide that war is necessary, the animals never do. Like civilians, they often become the victims of war, but now the U.S. military is deliberately putting animals in harm's way."

"These animals never enlisted," the letter continues. "They know nothing of Iraq or Saddam Hussein, and there is also no guarantee that these animals will save human lives. In fact, they may cause the loss of lives."

Based in Norfolk, Va., PETA claims more than 750,000 members and supporters worldwide.

[What Is Ain't]

Oh my God: animals are being used to save lives.

[Paul Atreides]

Paul Atreides wants PETA to drop dead.

[WellsFargo94]

I want PETA to shut the hello up, but it ain't gonna happen!

[cyborg]

The fact that they have 700,000 supporters is amazing to me. I am going to have honey rib tips in their honor.

[merrin]

Can we use PETA members to test for poison gas?

[Publius6961]

Is this that People Eating Tasty Animals outfit I've heard about?

[HankReardon]

People for Eating Tastey Animals? PETA? Is this who this is?
How do I join? Yum! YUM! Give me some!

[Ben Chad]

Yeah, STFU has become my fav acronym lately.

[Paul Atreides]

Have another plate of BBQ!

[onedoug]

Hitler worshipped nature too.

[annyokie]

Save the Whales: Collect the Whole Set!

[Joe 6-pack]

I guess we should just turn all Military Working Dogs loose, but before doing so, we should make sure there is an adequate pack of PETAs assembled to help all the dogs find good homes.

[TotusTuus]

While dolphins are highly intelligent animals, they do not understand that lives depend on their assignments and they can be easily distracted from their missions, according to PETA.

What!? Have these people never seen "Flipper"? He'll show them!

[Joe Boucher]

peta holds that animals are equivelent to humans? I hold that muslims aren't equivelent to humans.

[jws3sticks]

Who cares what PETA thinks, come on!

[syriacus]

Wars are human endeavors," wrote Boyles. "While a person, a political party, or a nation may decide that war is necessary, the animals never do.

What planet is Boyles from?

Animals do attack and kill each other. They attack and kill humans, too.

Maybe the dolphins like helping humans.

[Paul Atreides]

These are the people who wrote to Arafat to stop using donkeys to blow up people. Never mind that he has been killing people for years.

[Argus]

In her letter to Rumsfeld, PETA wildlife caseworker Stephanie Boyles also expressed concern over the use of chickens and pigeons in Kuwait, dozens of whom have died.

Dear Stephanie:

Go f#ck a duck.

Sincerely,

Rummy

[kellynla]

Well anytime PETA wants to volunteer one of their members for one of the dolphins we will be glad to switch.

[Tamar1973]

"Wars are human endeavors," wrote Boyles. "While a person, a political party, or a nation may decide that war is necessary, the animals never do.

She's right. Instead of conscripting dolphins, we should conscript the Dixie Chicks and the rest of the "I'd rather be naked than wear fur" crowd.