PETA’s ‘Dog Milk’ Ad Sparks Outrage Online; Netizens Call It Disturbing and Distasteful

New Delhi: A new advertisement campaign by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has triggered widespread backlash across social media for its controversial content and delivery. The campaign, which features a digitally altered image of a woman drinking milk from a dog, has left many netizens shocked and disturbed.

The poster, widely shared on Instagram and other platforms, carries the caption: "If you wouldn't drink dogs' milk, why drink the milk of any other species? Please. Try vegan." The image is accompanied by a powerful message highlighting the cruelty behind the dairy industry: "Dairy production is rooted in cruelty, from forced impregnation to the heartbreaking separation of calves from their mothers. Cows are not milk machines; their milk is for calves, not humans. Ditch dairy."

According to PETA, the billboard version of this campaign was displayed in several major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Bhopal, Noida, Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. However, instead of sparking meaningful conversation, the ad has invited a storm of criticism from the public, with many calling it "distasteful", "disturbing", and “sensationalist.”

“There are many other ways to promote veganism; this isn’t one,” commented an Instagram user. “It’s disturbing to edit images this way. The only thing going for you is that dogs can’t speak up. Else, they definitely wouldn’t have liked being edited or presented in such a manner.”

Another user added sarcastically, “I seriously don’t understand the post. You feel sorry for calves but not the puppies? Now selling dog’s milk for humans — what will the pups drink? Pedigree for the newborn?”

Despite the criticism, a few users defended the campaign's core message, suggesting that the discomfort caused by the ad forces viewers to confront their own contradictions. “If this disturbs you, it’s because the reality is disturbing. We’ve just normalised it. Drinking milk from any animal — dog, cow, or buffalo — is equally odd,” wrote one supporter. “PETA is just asking us to pause and think.”

As the debate rages on, PETA has yet to respond directly to the backlash. The organization, known for its provocative campaigns, has once again succeeded in stirring discussion — though not without controversy.