PETA protester dresses in mouse costume for Midtown demonstration
PETA protesters gathered in Midtown Atlanta, urging an end to the National Institutes of Health’s experiments on animals.
A demonstrator dressed in a mouse costume waved to pro-Palestinian protesters near the intersection of 10th and Spring streets Thursday, about 90 minutes before the presidential debate at CNN’s studios in Atlanta. The area is being shared with pro-Palestinian demonstrators who are calling for an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
The mouse, complete with an open surgical site on its back, held a sign reading, “Cut the NIH’s $22 billion budget, not mice.” Julie Robertson — PETA member, Atlanta resident and the one behind the costume — took occasional breaks from the mouse head for fresh air and left Midtown by 8:30 p.m.
The National Institutes of Health receives roughly $48 billion in federal government funding, according to their website. Senior Campaigner at PETA Amanda Brody said the federal agency puts $22 billion toward animal testing.
“We want the next President of the United States to end this disastrous, multi billion dollar debacle and prioritize sophisticated animal free research,” Brody said.
About the Authors
Lexi Baker is a breaking news intern for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2024.
