April 2004
PETA got a butterfly release canceled as part of the butterfly festival at a California mall. Children were going to be given nets to chase down and capture the released butterflies. After learning about the cruelty involved in raising and releasing butterflies, the mall administrators not only agreed to cancel the event and create a cruelty-free program, they also requested that PETA work with them to release a joint media advisory, which prompted a very positive article about the change of plans in the local newspaper. This was the first time that PETA convinced an event organizer to cancel a butterfly release, but we hope it won’t be the last!
