PETA: Go vegetarian on Year of the Ox celebrations

MANILA, Philippines – An animal welfare group is encouraging the public against eating cows in the upcoming celebration of the Year of the Ox. In a statement, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Asia Pacific said the upcoming Chinese New Year is a good opportunity for everyone to “go vegetarian.” "As the Year of the Cow approaches, what better way to celebrate these gentle, intelligent animals than by making a resolution to leave them off our plates?" said Jason Baker, director PETA Asia-Pacific. With a theme "Make it a good year for cows: Go vegetarian," PETA members will encourage Filipinos to "give healthy, humane vegetarian meals a try" in a public education drive on Friday. In a phone interview with GMANews.TV, Ashley Fruno, PETA-Asia Pacific senior campaigner, said aside from talking about the benefits of being a vegetarian, the group would also distribute vegetarian starter kits and booklet” that would inform the public how to switch from being meat-eaters to being vegetarians. Fruno said a giant cow mascot would be among the messengers of PETA’s advocacy on Friday. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV