PETA is an extremely litigious organization that often files lawsuits for the publicity and fund raising opportunities, as in Sea World’s whales are “slaves,” rather than seeking to correct an actually bona fide wrong. There is a name for that: Abuse of process. And it can be punished.
PETA’s latest frivolous lawsuit sought to prevent the California Milk Advisory Board from advertising that my state’s milk comes from “happy cows.” Tossed. From the CNS News story:
Superior Court Judge Lloyd G. Connelly in Sacramento dismissed the suit, ruling that PETA had failed to provide any evidence that California dairy farms mistreat dairy cows. Connelly held that state agriculture inspectors and the state dairy board had “extensive experience and knowledge that provides strong evidentiary support” justifying the dairy board’s claims that California dairy farmers “are very concerned about the health, comfort and safety of their cows” and “adhere to some of the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S.”
The judge further found that the marketing statements in the promotion “are general assertions about the efforts of California dairy farmers in caring for their cows, not factual representations of the health status and comfort level of the cows or the particular practices and standards used by farmers to care for the cows.”
It is time for courts to lower the boom. Our courts are jammed and people with real cases have a tough time getting to court. Make these friviolous suits cost real money and PETA will stop. Until then, it’s just a business expense to these fanatics.
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