Q&A With Animal Rights Activist Ingrid Newkirk. By Maria Nasif WITH HER FIERCE opposition to animal experimentation, a carnivorous diet and even pet ownership, Ingrid Newkirk has earned her share of critics since she co-founded People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. For more than a quarter-century, Newkirk has dedicated herself to the battle for animal rights. She'll be honored in Tucson on March 8 at the Star Awards, an annual celebration of Tucson's animal-rights community. Newkirk recently chatted about her work: TW: What involvement does PETA have with congressional lobbies or other government policy makers? IN: None. PETA encourages grassroots movement. You have to change the mind of the person at the bus stop before you can reach government. We will do auto-dials to our members, asking them to contact their representatives and congresspeople on particular bills and legislation. TW: Where do see the movement in 10 years? IN: Well, I haven't got a crystal ball, but we've made enormous strides in the previous decade, and I see that trend continuing with greater momentum. Issues of animal exploitation are currently at the forefront of discussions with decision makers in both health and industry. Ten years ago, that was not the case. I feel cosmetic and household testing on animals will soon be a thing of the past. The fur industry is already seeing a major decline in sales. TW: Will you see the end of vivisection in your lifetime? IN: That all depends on how long I live. I believe we'll see the end of animal models in medical and veterinary schools. The ethical issue is on the table now. We'll see the end of animals used in the space program, in weaponry, in drug addiction studies. Non-human primates, particularly the great apes, will be off the list of "tools for research." Breeding programs for apes are a failure, and even hard-nosed experimenters will be turning the tide. TW: How are the conditions in laboratories? IN: Conditions in laboratories have improved slightly, depending on the facility. I've inspected laboratories where conditions were horrendous. A beagle with her intestines lying on the concrete, and lab technicians microwaving animals out of boredom. Both the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have investigators who can take action. But I don't think they can adequately cover the facilities of one state, let alone 50. TW: Do you see a connection between inter-species violence and violence among ourselves? IN: The equation between violence to other beings and ourselves is absolute. TW: But aren't Homo Sapiens an inherently violent species? IN: That's a matter of choice. If you look at gorillas, creatures far more powerful than humans, the tendency is to resolve problems by warning each other to back off. Rarely do they resort to actual blows to end disputes. Humans act like chihuahuas, overly reacting to someone who cuts us off in traffic, waging war against our neighbors, severely hurting each other in the process. Afterwards, regretting what we may have done, which shows that we are not always the deeply thinking animal we presume ourselves to be. TW: Why do you think people have ethical blindness about exploiting animals? IN: Some people are ethically impaired. Just as I may not be able to appreciate a work of art that another sees clearly for its meaning and craft. Someone who screams at a child or hurts another being is impaired by his own ignorance. There are those who would still say "nigger" if they thought it was okay. But they've learned by living in this society that doing so is wrong. Education is the only way to reach these people. TW: To what event or area of animal exploitation do you think people are most likely to respond? IN: Initially to circumstances that involve their cats and dogs. In the 1800s, when the first Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were formed, it was common for people to drown or inflict injury on their "pets." Those who admonished that sort of behavior were scorned, much as the abolitionists of slavery were. Today, we're fighting for the abolition of cruelty to all species. Once you value the life of one animal, it won't be long before you embrace the whole lot. TW: What do you think has to happen before people start to view Homo Sapiens as sharing this planet with all living things, rather than viewing ourselves as the only species that matters? IN: Homo Sapiens are technically adept, but very greedy-brained. Fortunately, perception, terminology and principles are becoming clearer. No serious thinker can make a valid argument that to discriminate based on species is acceptable. To do so is based upon prejudice and thoughtlessness. TW: What advice would you give to parents raising children for a more humane world? IN: Teach them empathy at the earliest possible age. Teach them the Golden Rule--to put themselves in another's place. Not to be afraid of speaking up and being civic-minded. Don't wait for someone else to come to the rescue. Tickets for the Star Awards are $30 until March 1 and $35 thereafter, available by calling 883-2488. The event will be held at 5 p.m. March 8 at the Ramada Inn University, 1600 N. Oracle Road.

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