Ingrid Newkirk (born June 11, 1949) is a British-American animal rights activist and the co-founder and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world's largest animal rights organization. Born in Surrey, England, she spent part of her childhood in India, where she witnessed animal suffering that shaped her activism. After moving to the United States, she worked as an animal control officer before founding PETA in 1980. Newkirk is known for her bold campaigns against animal testing, fur trade, and factory farming. Under her leadership, PETA has grown to over 9 million members and supporters globally. Her work has influenced major corporations and legislation, making her one of the most influential figures in modern animal rights.
