Matt Goldsmith -
the Voice of PETA UK’s Website
Matt joined PETA in 2005, and through hard work and determination, he quickly rose through the ranks to become the voice of PETA UK's website. It is a role that – with his love for animals, his desire to tell the world about the abuse that countless animals suffer every day and his background of "tech geekery" – fits him like a glove. As our resident computer geek, he's also our IT boy.
On New Year's Eve 2001, Matt decided that his impact on the Earth and its habitants through his consumption of meat and dairy products and wearing of animal-derived products was a burden that he didn't want to bear. As the new year began, so did a new life for Matt as he made the decision to go vegan.
By networking with other vegans, vegetarians and animal rights activists, Matt soon learnt that there was a growing core of compassionate people all over the world who wanted to make changes. No sooner had PETA advertised that it was looking for a passionate and dedicated person than Matt applied. He hasn't looked back since.
Not only does Matt keep PETA's website looking fresh, he also, as a budding photographer, takes photos at PETA's exciting and visually striking demonstrations. So keep an eye out and let us know if you see any shaky camera work!
Matt will only be content when all the world's cages are opened to release the animals they hold captive and when the world wakes up to the needs of animals everywhere. Oh, and when people know where the "On" switch is on their computer – only then will he take a lie-in.
When our very own Sarah C saw the NY Pizza Burger in the news, she was determined to “veganise” it, knowing that PETA staff members like a bit of junk food every now and then (she’s right – no crumbs were left on the plate!).
Containing no animal ingredients whatsoever, this can easily be made at home using Sarah’s not-so-secret recipe and the instructions below, this will take around an hour to prepare and cook:
1 pack Granose Burger Mix
1 tin kidney beans
1 tin crab-eye beansRead more.
The following is a post from PETA Asia’s blog, Hot & Sour Scoop.
When I think of Bali, I imagine an island heaven: surf, sun and miles and miles of beach! Recently, however, we received some horrible news – and there’s definitely trouble in paradise.
In a misguided effort to control a rising rabies epidemic on the island, Indonesian authorities have been using strychnine to cull the local stray dog population! Strychnine is a well-known poison, and its victims suffer for hours from seemingly endless convulsions, excruciating pain and anguish… Read more.
When I was asked to go to Pamplona for PETA to photograph the 2010 PETA and AnimaNaturalis anti-bullfighting demonstration, I knew it would be long and tiring trip in hot temperatures to a city that holds one of the most outdated, cruel events – the Running of the Bulls. But I also knew that my discomfort would be nothing compared to the suffering that bulls endure in bullfights and during the run.
Arriving the day before the planned demonstration, which is held annually two days before… Read more.
© iStockPhoto.com / wynnter
The following is a post from PETA US’ blog, The PETA Files.
Elle Macpherson has told the Times online that she uses rhino horn to try to stop the aging process. Quackery aside, this has huge consequences for animals—and it’s illegal. Here’s the letter that PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk sent Macpherson on Monday:
What was Elle’s response to the outcry about her comment? Click here to find out.
July 6, 2010
Dear Ms. Macpherson,
We’ve read that you have confessed… Read more.
Carla, a friend of mine from The Perseus Books Group, always chooses the best times to send me their latest published offerings to keep me busy in my evenings and train journeys. The most recent book I’ve been sent is Viva Vegan! by the bestselling co-author of Veganomicon, Terry Hope Romero – and it’s quite apt that it arrived just after I’d worked my way through most of Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar.
As Romero’s first solo cookbook, Viva Vegan! is the ultimate guide for… Read more.
© iStockPhoto.com / Gordo25
Living in the UK, we’re used to changing weather patterns, and even though most of the time it’s clouded over and drizzling rain, sometimes we experience weather like at the moment: hot, hot, hot!
While we’re all dusting off our flip-flops and our buckets and spades, it’s important to spare a thought for our animal companions. With the temperature expected to reach 30 degrees this weekend and high temperatures across the UK expected to continue into next week, I want to offer some… Read more.
© iStockPhoto.com / LordRunar
I am often sent miscellany from PETA US’ Director of Marketing, Joel – we both share a geeky outlook on life, and while I won’t say we also share a similar age (I don’t want to offend), we do both appreciate old-school Atari-style games. So when he sent me the following retro-feel animal rights game, I felt compelled to share it. It’s called “Escape From… Read more.
