'Undocumented' pet? Phoenix billboard stirs buzz

PHOENIX - An animal rights organization is getting involved in the debate over Arizona’s immigration law through a new billboard message in Phoenix.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals , known as PETA, put up a billboard message near 19th Avenue and Broadway Road stating, "No one should need papers.”

Below the sentence the billboard states, “Adopt an 'undocumented' mutt today!" On the right of the billboard is an image of a dog PETA says is mixed-breed. The background is the Arizona flag.

But not everyone is embracing the new slogans.

Many who live and work around the area aren't sure about the Ad.  Fred Tobar, a hispanic business owner worries it could be disparaging to some.

"I think It's offensive to latino people," Tobar said.

Another man who is immigrant from Nigeria said he also didn't approve of the Ad.

"It Is a mixed message a conflicted message for us to equate undocumented immigrants with dogs," said Nurdeen Lawal.

But some are defending PETA's Ad like the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

The non-profit  had nothing to do with the billboard, but  rescues dogs before their euthanized at Maricopa County Animal Shelters.

"I think they were just trying to get people's attention," said Tina Eacret, AAWL Spokesperson.

She says the message behind the billboard can save lives if people start adopting shelter dogs instead of breeding their own.

"We're putting down so many animals in Maricopa County every year and these animals need homes," Eacret said.

PETA says in a release, “As Arizona's controversial new immigration law winds its way through the federal court system, PETA is asking Phoenix residents to open their homes and hearts to a group that's long been discriminated against because its members don't have (pedigree) documents: shelter mutts. PETA points out that homeless cats and dogs who are adopted from animal shelters or rescued from the streets are every bit as smart, loyal, and lovable as animals with "papers"-and they're often a lot healthier.”

PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch says, "When it comes to determining who will make the best companion, it's safe to say that pedigree documents aren't worth the paper that they're printed on. Shelter mutts may not come with a packet of papers, but they always come with a heart of gold."

Do you think PETA should be getting involved with the immigration debate? Do you think the message is affective? Let us know below by leaving a comment!