Celebrating 45 Years of PETA’s Unstoppable Work for Animals
On 20 September, those who filled the elegant halls of London’s Law Society building witnessed something extraordinary. Almost 100 compassionate supporters gathered beneath storied ceilings, the air electric with a sense of progress and purpose. This wasn’t just another fundraising event – it was the celebration of a revolution 45 years in the making.
In a venue where legal precedents have shaped society for centuries, PETA US marked nearly five decades of reshaping how the world sees, treats, and protects animals – and the speakers brought this milestone to life. Elisa Allen, Ingrid Newkirk, Yvonne Taylor, Jeff Brown, and Poorva Joshipura shared stories of victory, kindness, and community, covering PETA entities’ groundbreaking investigations, global campaigns that have shifted industries, and showcasing that change isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.
PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk opened her speech with a moving video of a chicken recently rescued by PETA India – an animal she had personally helped save. Her remarks seamlessly introduced a lineup of iconic animal defenders, including Michelin-starred chef Alexis Gauthier, whose London restaurant is now entirely vegan; punk icon Siouxsie Sioux, whose song Skin became an anthem against the fur trade; and the grassroots advocates whose daily work creates change across communities.
The event also honoured those who embody the spirit of change. Father Terry Martin, a Catholic priest from West Sussex, received PETA’s Guiding Light Award for his tireless work helping fellow Christians recognise that animals are not commodities. His journey from meat-eater to vegan advocate was inspired by the realisation that the animals on his plate were as sentient as his beloved dog, and now fellow vegan, Pepe. Father Terry’s work challenging the Roman Catholic Church’s complicity in bullfighting, through opinion pieces and appeals to the Pope, shows that change is reaching even the most traditional institutions.
Other notable attendees included culinary innovator Andy Shovel and advocate and model Ianthe Rose, each representing different facets of the growing movement toward ethical living.
Vegan canapés proved that compassionate choices never mean compromise. Standout dishes included zalmon tartare with caper emulsion, butternut squash and sage arancini, and a silky vegan panna cotta tart with mango gel.
Guests bid on hot ticket items, including Leticia Credidio’s vegan silk dress, cruelty-free accessories from Mashu and VOTCH, and sustainable jewellery from Jana Reinhardt. Two lucky attendees won PETA-Approved Vegan Suri Frey backpacks. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor who matched all contributions up to £50,000, many gifts made during the event had double the impact.
Everyone left with the greatest prize of all – a shared sense of purpose and the collective recognition that PETA US’s 45-year journey has brought monumental change, inspiring millions to choose compassion and saving countless lives.
As Ingrid so powerfully put it:
‘They are not underlings, they’re not subhumans, they are themselves – and only prejudice stops anyone from failing to offer them respect and understanding, consideration and mercy.’
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating just how far we’ve come for animals and affirming that, indeed, we are inspiring change in an ever-changing world.
A heartfelt thanks also goes to our generous PETA Business Friends who donated items for the auction and goody bags, helping make the afternoon even more memorable. We’re especially grateful to Jana Reinhardt, Sweet Freedom, Fetcha Chocolates, Dr Botanicals, and Cosmic Dealer for their thoughtful contributions, which not only added sparkle to the event but helped amplify our message of compassion and ethical living.
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