NEW YORK — Two activists from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (AP News), known as PETA, were arrested on Thursday during a protest outside the Manhattan offices of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The activists attempted to dump a truckload of manure as part of their ongoing campaign against the ASPCA regarding animal welfare certifications.

However, the protest encountered unexpected challenges, primarily due to extremely freezing temperatures that rendered much of the manure frozen solid to the truck bed. Ashley Byrne, a spokesperson for PETA, explained, “Because of the freezing temperatures, it didn’t all fall out,” adding that a volunteer climbed into the truck to shovel the remaining dung but was apprehended before completing the task.

This demonstration is part of PETA's broader campaign criticizing the ASPCA for supporting an animal welfare certification program overseen by the Global Animal Partnership. PETA argues that this certification is a “sham,” highlighting that it is associated with products sourced from factory farms that have documented histories of cruelty.

The ASPCA has defended its involvement in the certification program, asserting that it helps establish basic standards for animal welfare. A spokesperson stated, “Unlike the ASPCA, PETA has no interest in building a more humane farming system,” underlining a fundamental philosophical divide between the two organizations.

According to reports from Newsweek, the two PETA activists were issued summonses for illegal dumping, with a court appearance scheduled for February 11. The New York Police Department also confiscated the truck along with its remaining contents, which were sourced from an animal sanctuary in New Jersey.

PETA's ongoing accusations of “humane-washing” against the ASPCA have led to a series of public protests aimed at drawing attention to their cause. In response, the Global Animal Partnership has emphasized the integrity of its certification mechanisms, stating they actively work to minimize objectionable practices.

This incident brings to light the enduring conflict between animal rights advocates like PETA and established animal welfare organizations over the best methods to ensure animal protection and welfare standards.