Daniel Suarez’s love for animals is well-known within the NASCAR community. Since the last four years, the Monterrey-born, Huntersville resident has donated about $200,000 to the Humane Society of Charlotte (HSC) through the Coca-Cola “Chug for a Cause program.” For those unaware, this initiative allows NASCAR drivers sponsored by the beverage giants a set amount of rewards/points to donate to a charity of their choice, for each “chug” of Coke during the racing season.

Suarez gifted his rewards from last year to the HSC, a private, non-profit welfare organization that aims to care for “homeless animals,” as per their official website. The Mexican superstar’s love for animals goes way beyond charity. As a young boy in his home country, the now-32-year-old witnessed his father’s undying compassion towards stray animals in the streets of Nuevo Leon.

Years later, he helped his father turn their family restoration shop, “DNS Restauraciones,” into a part-time rescue haven for man’s four-legged best friends on a free-for-all basis. In his most recent ‘awareness’ attempt, Suarez took it one step further by partnering with the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for a promotion.

However, owing to the controversial nature of PETA’s outreach attempts and chequered history, the fans appear to be pushing their disdain at not just what some would call a contradictory connection. But also at the “agent” for letting the whole thing come to fruition in the first place.

A love for animals meets PETA’s checkered past

To gain some context, a few years ago, in an article on the American Council of Science and Health website, microbiologist Dr. Alex Berezow laid out a few reasons why PETA has faced so much backlash since the turn of the millennium. He cited problems such as the illegal poaching of rhinos and elephants heading towards the harrowing thought of total extinction, among various other “animal rights issues about which PETA could play a constructive role.”

Regardless, Berezow continued, “But PETA isn’t interested in that. Instead, they’re interested in extremely bizarre and illogical publicity stunts, such as protesting a veterinarian conference because they invited Seattle’s famous fish-tossing fishmongers. They have also have boycotted innocent video games… have encouraged feminists to stop eating eggs….”

The final part of Berezow’s passage emphasized the potential contradiction between Suarez’s recent partnership with PETA in a truly divisive light: “…and are ideologically opposed to the “institution” of pet ownership.” A key criticism of PETA regarding pet ownership is largely based on the high euthanasia rates at their animal shelters.

Accumulated data from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) suggests that Norfolk-based PETA euthanized a significantly higher percentage of dogs and cats it received compared to other shelters in the state. For instance, in an article by John M. Simpson of Duane Morris LLP law firm in 2019, PETA reportedly euthanized 57% of dogs and 72% of cats, while other shelters accepted fewer animals and had lower euthanasia rates. Additionally, in 2007, North Carolina authorities charged two PETA employees, in Suarez’s current home state, with abandoning around 80 euthanized animal carcasses at a shopping center in Ahoskie.

Many such reports have often put the non-profit animal rights organization in a bad light. And many more argue against the legitimacy of the sentiments above. Yet, this is not the first time Suarez has partnered with PETA to spread awareness among pet owners. A few years ago, the Mexican star shot a promotional video revealing the consequences of keeping one’s dog inside a vehicle on summer days. But quite ironic to the PETA narrative, earlier this year, Suarez and his fiancee Julia Piquet saved around 400 animals from euthanization in an unrelated effort.

Contrary to his superhuman efforts for the Humane Society of Charlotte, many believe the association with PETA could end up being a mark of hypocrisy for a pet owner himself. As we stand, all of his current furry friends (two cats and one dog) have come through the means of adoption. In his latest endorsement for PETA, Suarez claimed that he “teamed up with my amigos at @peta to speak out for dogs who are our family members! They should never be chained outside.”

Although it is a noble initiative for most pet parents to follow, some fans have not been too receptive to Suarez joining forces with a paradoxical partner.

Daniel Suarez’s PETA partnership raises eyebrows

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PETA’s original post on Twitter read, “Compassionate & renowned @NASCAR driver @Daniel_SuarezG can’t imagine making his companion animal live a lonely, miserable life outside. So he’s raising a red flag at chaining…”

For a dog owner, these instructions indeed serve to help build a closer connection with their canine friends. But this diehard made it clear what the collective feeling was when they wrote, “Definitely not the best organization to support but I agree 100% with the message.”

Others added to the chorus with varying opinions, specifically targeting PETA’s controversial history, stating, “Man I hate seeing you support such a terrible organization. There are a lot better companies out there with better track records.”

One fan went straight for the throat, demanding Daniel Suarez “fire your agent.” Nevertheless, with a new contract deal potential looming on the horizon with Trackhouse, added to his growing acclaim, it is safe to say the “agent” in question is probably making the right moves in helping secure his client’s future.

Many believed the “Guys at Trackhouse need to do a better job vetting sponsors.” On that note, brands like Quaker State & Jockey have already graced his car this season. Hence, that comment can be classified as nothing but casual fan banter.

Besides, as this fan noted, “I guess $$$ talks.” They also revealed the true motivation factor for all commercial associations aiming to push a ‘product’ onto a general audience. Daniel Suarez’s association with PETA may not be completely financial, but he must actively seek to build meaningful connections beyond financial gains, pursuing the American dream.