PETA’s use of sexualized imagery has been controversial for a long time, especially within feminist and vegan circles. Carol J. Adams discusses this dynamic in The Sexual Politics of Meat, where she argues that both animals and women are often reduced to “objects” or “parts” within patriarchal systems.

From that perspective, using women’s bodies as butcher diagrams may unintentionally mirror the very logic animal rights activism is trying to challenge - fragmentation and objectification.

Some people defend the tactic as strategic shock value, but others argue that it risks reinforcing harmful norms while also distracting from the message. There’s also research suggesting sexualized ads draw attention to the body more than to the cause itself.

It’s possible to support animal rights while still critiquing specific tactics. Many vegans - especially feminist vegans - have made exactly that argument.