An animal rights group visited a Des Moines middle school today trying to discourage kids from drinking milk. Sean Gifford is one of the representatives for the “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals” who’re trying to wipe away milk mustaches. He claims milk has been linked to cancer, heart disease and stroke. Gifford and another PETA representative who was dressed as a cow handed out trading cards designed to discourage kids from drinking milk. The cards feature characters such as “Loogie Louie” and “Chubby Charlie,” to illustrate what PETA says will happen if kids drink milk. Gifford says PETA’s also concerned that dairy cows are being pumped full of growth hormones and mistreated. He says drinking milk does more harm to a person than good. A spokesperson for the Midland Dairy Association in Ankeny says PETA is way off base. Midland Registered Dietician Molly Pelzer says PETA is making “inaccurate and misleading” statements about milk to further their animal rights agenda. Pelzer says targeting kids for their own cause is irresponsible. She says there’s plenty of evidence that milk is an important part of everyone’s diet. Pelzer says studies show milk helps keep bones strong, lower blood pressure, prevent cancer and helps you lose weight. Pelzer says you shouldn’t judge milk by the things PETA says. Pelzer says drinking milk can help people of all ages say healthy.
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