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



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 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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