So, I was scrolling through social media the other day and saw a PETA India ad that really made me stop and think. The tagline said: “If you wouldn’t drink dogs’ milk, why of any other species?”

At first, I thought I was seeing things. “Dogs’ milk”? I had to double check. I’m all for bold campaigns, but this one? It left me confused and honestly, a little uncomfortable.

The idea of drinking “dogs’ milk” is just… strange. Who would ever look at a dog and think, “Hmm, I’d love a glass of that”? It’s not a question anyone’s asking, and yet, that’s what PETA decided to put in my head.

And I’m left wondering: Why even bring this up?

This isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a strong image meant to shock. I get it ads like these are designed to grab attention.

But in this case, it didn’t make me think twice about dairy. Instead, it made me cringe. Not in a “maybe I should change my habits” way, but more like a “I don’t even want to eat now” kind of way.

Billboards That Miss the Mark

I actually saw the same poster in social media , and I thought, “Wow, this really isn’t working.” PETA wants us to think about our milk choices, but here’s the thing.

Dogs? They’re not dairy animals they’re pets. Comparing the two just doesn’t make sense.

I support veganism for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. But shock value and bad comparisons don’t help get the message across.

If we want to change people’s habits, let’s do it with:

• Good information
• Respect for traditions
• Understanding other views

Let’s be careful before making strange comparisons especially when it comes to something as personal as food choices.

Is This Activism?

Honestly, this ad doesn’t feel like activism to me. It feels more like emotional manipulation. PETA India, I get it.

You want us to think about choosing a vegan lifestyle, but making people uncomfortable won’t win them over. It’s definitely not going to win me over.

Instead of making people feel uneasy, why not show something positive? Picture a happy cow grazing in a sunny field or a vegan cooking up something tasty in the kitchen.

Give us something that makes us feel good about making a change, not something that makes us question our next meal.

If you want me to think about cutting out dairy, I’m open to it but let’s make it more inviting. Show plant-based milk options or delicious vegan recipes. No need for shock tactics.

Instead of a confused dog and a woman stuck in a milk dilemma, how about showing something happier? PETA, I get it you got attention with this campaign. But it’s not the kind of attention you want, trust me.

Milk & Nutrition: A Deeper Dive into Its Benefits

When we think about nutrition, it’s important to remember that milk is made by mammals for their babies, not for humans. While many of us avoid drinking cow’s milk for different reasons, it’s worth knowing that it can provide important nutrition, especially for kids.

For example, a 2023 study showed that fortified milk can reduce the risk of anemia in children aged 6–47 months by about 68%, and help them gain weight healthily (source). In poorer areas, drinking dairy has been linked to a 0.5 standard deviation increase in height-for-age, which helps fight stunting (source).

A review of 17 studies involving around 2,800 kids aged 6–18 years showed that drinking milk for 12 weeks increased lean muscle mass, body weight, and reduced body fat, without adding more fat (source).

In another study with preschoolers in China (ages 4–6), drinking 390 mL of milk every day for 12 months led to a big increase in bone health, improving bone density by up to 7% (source).

While some people choose not to drink cow’s milk—since it’s meant for calves—it’s clear that for kids, milk provides some real health benefits. Whether it’s regular or fortified milk, it can help with anemia, growth, muscle development, and bone health. So for parents or anyone looking to stay healthy, these facts are definitely worth thinking about.

The Problem with This Campaign

Just to be clear, I’m all for animal rights, and I love animals. But there’s a fine line between raising awareness and making people uncomfortable. This campaign crossed that line.

What PETA is doing here isn’t activism it’s more like a scare tactic. Let’s work to protect animals without making people feel uneasy. There’s a better way to do this. Activism should be about kindness, understanding, and real change—not fear and discomfort.

Conclusion

“If you want something to succeed, don’t spread negativity. If you spread negativity, it will come back to you.”
This is some valuable advice my senior gave me, and I think it really applies here.

PETA, if you truly want to make a lasting impact, I believe it’s important to create campaigns that focus on positive messages rather than negative ones. 

Negative or shock-based campaigns can often backfire. People may not understand the message you’re trying to communicate, or they might even feel repelled by the approach. 

Your true goal should be to spread love, kindness, and compassion. These values resonate with people much more effectively than negativity or aggression.

Another thing to consider: If you’re passionate about veganism, it’s important to remember that plants and trees are also alive. Just because they don’t move or walk around doesn’t mean they don’t have a life. Life exists in many forms, and every living thing has a role in the ecosystem. While we often focus on animals, plants also live, grow, and eventually die. Their lives deserve respect too. So, how can we promote the value of plants and trees in your campaigns, just as you do for animals?