PETA founder brings veganism campaign to Chicago

PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk. Photo: Courtesy of PETA

The founder of the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is celebrating her 75th birthday in Chicago with a bold campaign promoting veganism.

Why it matters: PETA has a history of intentionally controversial campaigns that have led many to call it extreme or radical, but its goal is to start conversations and change behaviors.

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• PETA's work has led to investigations of cruel conditions and prompted companies to ban animal testing .

The big picture: Ingrid Newkirk is on a national tour but will celebrate her birthday Tuesday in Chicago by driving a truck that looks like it's carrying live pigs. She'll park outside The Wieners Circle and other meat-centric places and hand out vegan hot dogs.

• A PETA spokesperson says Newkirk chose Chicago because the city was once home to the nation's largest stockyard.

Photo: Courtesy of PETA

Flashback: Perhaps one of Chicago's most infamous moves in the animal rights discourse was when the City Council banned foie gras in 2006 .

• The council repealed the ban two years later.

Meanwhile, Chicago in 2020 became the largest U.S. city to ban horse-drawn carriages .

What's next: The PETA truck will be at The Wieners Circle at noon and on the Mag Mile at 3pm Tuesday.

The other side: The Weiners Circle updated its marquee on Tuesday to have a little fun with the PETA event, in very Weiners Circle style.

Photo: Courtesy of The Weiners Circle

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include The Weiners Circle response.