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PETA Seeks Rights To Michael Jackson’s “Ben” To Raise Awareness About Rats

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July 1st, 2009 by Castina

Tagged as: Michael Jackson, PETA


Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked for the rights of Michael Jackson’s 1972 hit “Ben” to use as part of a campaign to raise awareness about rats and other rodents used in laboratories.

Oh Lordy….

Written as part of the score for the film of the same name, “Ben” is the story of the friendship between a lonely boy and a rat.

Gross….

In the song, Michael, then 13, sings, “Ben, most people would turn you away. I don’t listen to a word they say. They don’t see you as I do. I wish they would try to.”

Rodents comprise vast majority of animals used in laboratories, but because the are not protected under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), they aren’t granted the same protections provided under the law to other animals.

“Michael Jackson’s hit has always been a moving testament to the power of empathy for animals,” PETA executive vice-president Tracy Reiman said in a statement Tuesday.

“If more people could be inspired by his song to stop supporting the cruel and ineffective animal-testing industry, it would be a fitting and enduring tribute to this talented performer,” she added.

The song would also be used to spread the message that rats are frequently misunderstood, PETA claims.

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3 Responses to “PETA Seeks Rights To Michael Jackson’s “Ben” To Raise Awareness About Rats”

  1. On July 1st 2009, Ian J wrote:

    PETA are only interested in one thing and that is linning their own pockets, if you care about animals give money to your local charity.

    PETA are just rip off merchants.

  2. On July 1st 2009, Castina wrote:

    I agree with you, Ian.

  3. On July 1st 2009, Frank wrote:

    Again, “animal rights activist” put there “beliefs” aside for there own gain. If I remember correctly, PETA has come out against using animals of any kind in movies. They have openly condemned Mr. Jackson for his use of elephants in concert and animals at his Never Land Ranch. Now they want to benefit from his use of rats. In my experience, animal right activist have always ignored their own beliefs when it’s about their own health, wellbeing, and benefit. When they get cancer, have heart disease, need an operation of any kind, they take it, forgetting their “belief” in animal rights. This is a new low for PETA; they are ethically and morally bankrupt.

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