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PETA slanders Steve Irwin on Twitter

Reporter Eden Smith

Major backlash has fallen upon PETA after they tweeted about Steve Irwin in what could be considered insensitive and in bad taste.

Steve Irwin, beloved animal activist and nature lover, would have turned 57 this year on February 22. Irwin tragically passed in September of 2006. While admiring a stingray of the coast of Batt Reef, Australia, he accidently spooked the ray and it released its barb through Irwin’s heart.

Steve Irwin died doing what he loved most, educating millions of people about nature’s beautiful wildlife and all it has to offer.

In honor of Steve Irwin’s birthday, Google dedicated their front page (better known as the Google Doodle) to commemorate all the love and joy Irwin has spread.

The Doodle featured a young cartoon Steve Irwin flashing a bright smile and holding a cartoon alligator. People were enjoying the beaming smile of their childhood hero and biggest idol, and wishing him the best birthday wherever he may be.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), is the largest animal rights organization in the world, with more than 6.5 million members and supporters. They are a very controversial organization as their is evidence that PETA has killed more than 36,000 animals since 1998.

With those statistics it is easy to see why those who saw the tweet or caught wind of it were quite upset.

“Steve Irwin’s actions were not on target with his supposed message of protecting wildlife. A real wildlife expert & someone who respects animals for the individuals they are leaves them to their own business in their natural homes.” PETA stated. To further stir the pot, PETA later tweeted:

“It is harassment to drag exotic animals, including babies taken from their mothers, around from TV talk shows to conferences & force them to perform as Steve Irwin did. Animals deserve to live as they want to, not as humans demand––the #GoogleDoodle should represent that.”

The people then took to Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, and other social medias to slander PETA for their hypocrisy and insensitivity towards Steve Irwin.

American television personality John Edward responded “This is so disrespectful and should be deleted IMMEDIATELY and an apology should be offered to his family.”

Even though PETA was being slandered, they continued to add to their original tweet further angering the Twitter community.

“Steve Irwin saved the lives of countless animals in his sanctuaries. He helped educate millions globally about animals’ needs and ways of life. He loved animals and cared for them greatly. You do some good work helping animals PETA, but how about some balance and more respect” stated Dan Clark, a sports author.

Some were so upset they decided to stop supporting PETA in total, stating they were done donating to their organization. Others called PETA an embarrassment to animal right activists.

Steve Irwin taught so many people about respecting animals and people alike. He knew his boundaries and the boundaries of nature. Never once did he purposely harm an animal or endanger it.

PETA stepped out of line and deeply offended those who loved and cherished Steve Irwin deeply, and was met with a sea of seething fans.