Justice for Rats in NosfeRATu! Giant PETA ‘Rodent’ to Attend LA Screening Over Disparaging Depiction

For Immediate Release:
December 6, 2024

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Filmmakers and Academy members are in for a lesson in history on Sunday, as a giant PETA “rat” will descend upon the Nosferatu screening at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater to set the record straight about the thousands of live rats in scenes that inaccurately associate them with the bubonic plague—which modern scientists believe was in fact spread by humans, not rats. Bearing a sign reading “Rats Have Rights! We Didn’t Cause the Plague!” the rodent rabble-rouser will clear up the rumors and encourage everyone to have compassion for the unfairly maligned animals. Below, please find a statement from PETA’s Director of Animals in Film and Television, Lauren Thomasson:

A human is no more likely to be harmed or killed by a rat in real life than by a vampire, and false portrayals of these animals as harbingers of death deny viewers the chance to see them as the intelligent, social, and affectionate individuals they are. The only “pests” moviegoers need to be concerned with are directors who subject animals to the chaos and confusion of a film set, and PETA encourages everyone to see through these shameful stereotypes and give rats the respect they deserve.

PETA points out that rats form close bonds with their families and friends, enjoy playing and wrestling, and even giggle when tickled—and are less likely than dogs or cats to catch and transmit parasites and viruses. Moviegoers can visit PETA’s website for tips on living in harmony with rats.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.