Squeak Back to the ’80s: PETA’s Rat-Themed Prom That Took NYC by Storm
Totally tubular, remarkably rat-ical! In time for prom season, brought “Under the Trash”—an ’80s-inspired, rat-themed dance party—to New York City’s Avant Garden. The rave in recognition of rodents brought together rat enthusiasts, dancefloor divas, and popular vegan influencers for an unforgettable evening full of iconic ’80s hits, interactive photo ops, delicious vegan treats, and of course, the crowning of a dude and dudette as Rat Prom King and Queen.
Why Rat Prom?
The real question is, why not? Under the Trash honors the city’s most misunderstood residents as the intelligent, social beings they are. Rats are curious, sensitive animals who have complex relationships, empathy, and excellent problem-solving skills. When left alone, they spend time with their friends and families, cuddling, playing, and searching for food.
Neon Nights and Gnawing Delights: The Best Moments From Under the Trash
Vegan influencers Eli Levi, Gabi Meit-Sciara, and Sam Esce flocked to the party, sipping quirky cocktails and dancing the night away in true trash-glam style.
“(PETA is) here for the animals. They advocate for the animals. And that’s what we are here to do. Cruelty-free or it’s not for me. I’ve always been an advocate for cruelty-free makeup, cruelty-free skincare,” Levi said.
“This event was to help shine a light on these resident New Yorkers (who) are so misunderstood, and deserve compassion,” Meit-Sciara said.
The ’80s prom vibes were in full effect at the photo op, where guests captured the night with an epic lineup of rat-themed props—like a “Be Loud for Rats” sign, a giant rat cutout, and more.
Adding to the cheeky charm, a standout prop was a prom-style sash that read “rat” in the iconic Brat-era font—complete with the “B” crossed out—serving bold rodent energy with a pop star twist.
In between tearing up the dance floor, guests refueled with nostalgic snacks—like vegan “Hostess” cupcakes from CHLOE, a Greenwich Village vegan favorite—serving up sweet throwback vibes with compassion.
Crowning the chaos in true prom-night fashion, two giant rat mascots were named King and Queen of the evening. Dressed to impress and exuding rodent royalty, they closed out the night with a slow dance that was equal parts adorable and absurd.
They’re Walking Here, too! Rats Deserve Rights in the City That Never Sleeps
Rats are some of New York City’s most resilient residents—clever, adaptable, and just trying to survive in the environment humans have created. They feel pain, fear, joy, and love, and they deserve compassion and respect—after all, they’re just trying to make it in the city like the rest of us.
PETA notes that New York residents who want rats to move out of town can help do their part by not leaving out food, keeping trash in chew-proof, covered containers, and never buying or using cruel and ineffective traps or poisons. Killing methods such as glue traps, poisons, or drowning are not only cruel to rats but also worthless, as the decreased competition for available food sources leads to accelerated breeding among survivors—and a spike in populations.
What YOU Can Do to Help Rats
First of all, never use glue traps—these torture devices are among the cruelest methods of killing animals in existence. Animals caught in glue traps may languish for days before they eventually die of blood loss, shock, suffocation, or thirst. Some animals even break bones or chew off their own limbs in a desperate attempt to escape. Take action to help end glue trap sales:
