NEW YORK (AP) — Two activists from the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) were arrested on Thursday while trying to dump a truckload of manure outside the Manhattan offices of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). However, due to freezing temperatures, much of the manure remained frozen to the truck bed, hindering the protest's intended impact.

Ashley Byrne, a spokesperson for PETA, explained that the cold weather caused problems: “Because of the freezing temperatures, it didn’t all fall out. Someone had to go up in the truck and start shoveling it out, and he was apprehended by the police before he finished.” The activists were subsequently issued summonses for illegal dumping and are expected to appear in court on February 11.

This demonstration is part of PETA's ongoing campaign against the ASPCA, particularly over its endorsement of a controversial animal welfare certification program managed by the Global Animal Partnership. PETA has criticized this certification as a “sham,” asserting that it allows products from factory farms, often associated with animal cruelty, to carry a label implying better animal welfare.

In a counterstatement, an ASPCA representative defended their involvement in setting basic market standards and highlighted the philosophical differences between the two organizations. “Unlike the ASPCA, PETA has no interest in building a more humane farming system,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing that the ASPCA supports animal welfare certifications to encourage humane practices within animal agriculture.

This incident underlines the escalating tensions between PETA and traditional animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA regarding their approaches to ethical treatment of animals. Following this protest, the ASPCA noted the importance of creating standards that ensure better treatment for animals while acknowledging that many Americans still consume animal products.

The Global Animal Partnership has also defended its certification program, asserting that it has robust oversight mechanisms to minimize objectionable practices and swiftly address any problems encountered.

This event has drawn attention to the broader conversation regarding animal rights and welfare philosophies, showcasing the lengths to which activists will go to advocate for their beliefs.