Heineken Pulls Anti-British, Animal-Unfriendly Ad; Citroën Pulls Sled-Dog Ad

For Immediate Release:
16 June 2009

Contact:
Sam Glover 011 44 207 357 9229, ext 229; [email protected]

London – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Europe has sent bouquets of flowers and heartfelt thank-you notes to Heineken’s and Peugeot Citroën’s headquarters after the companies agreed to stop running ads featuring themes that were potentially harmful to animals.

PETA objected to an online Heineken ad that mocked Britons’ reputation for doting on their animal companions. The ad stated that Europeans don’t understand Brits because Britons play with and talk to their dogs and cats and allow them to sleep on the furniture. The ad then suggested that animals belong on a leash or on a plate. PETA pointed out to Heineken that the ad potentially alienated millions of Britons who have animal companions and/or are vegetarians and also likely offended viewers in other countries who don’t see the world Heineken’s way, and the company quickly agreed to pull the spot.

After PETA pointed out the cruelty associated with sled-dog racing, Peugeot Citroën agreed to stop running an ad that showed a Citroën C5 alongside sled dogs. Dogs used to pull heavy sleds are forced to run for miles, often in extreme weather conditions. When they are not training or racing, most sled dogs are tied to short chains amidst their own urine and faeces.

“Citroën and Heineken deserve credit for realising that they have everything to lose by running ads that are disrespectful to animals”, says PETA Europe Director Robbie Leblanc. “Not only are animal-friendly ads good for animals, they’re also good for a company’s bottom line.”

For more information, please visit PETA Europe’s website, PETA.org.uk.