Karpel's path to PETA has been an interesting one. After graduating with a theatre degree from California State University Northridge, Karpel first worked at the Los Angeles Opera.

"I loved working in the arts, but I wanted to make a change. When I learned about PETA's campaigns, I took action and changed my life," Karpel explained. "I wanted to find something at PETA that used all of my skills from communications to street theatre. I found a perfect match in helping with the campaigns and street demonstrations. A year and a half ago, I moved to Virginia and started traveling around the country to spread the news about PETA and animals who were not being treated humanely."

While in the Valley, Karpel is targeting several campaigns, including Kentucky Fried Chicken.

"KFC is one of our largest campaigns. We're asking KFC to stop breaking the birds' wings and legs, slitting their throats and scalding them alive. We're asking for minimal changes, such as not breeding them so large as they're being crippled by their weight in very small cages," she said. "We are not boycotting KFC because they serve chicken, instead we're suggesting for more humane treatment of chickens. KFC is one of the largest chicken food chains in the country and things should change for the animals."

There are also pet food companies that are treating animals poorly. As a pet owner, looking at the video at www.PETA.org is simply horrific.

"We have a boycott campaign in place concerning Iams pet food. We have negotiated with them about making good changes, but we will not stop until they stop all animal testing," Karpel explained. "Iams was cutting the muscles of dogs' thighs. They're doing the animal testing to make health claims for marketing purposes only, ultimately to make a profit. Eukanuba is also owned by The Iams Company. There are other brands to consider when buying pet food. My cat is vegetarian and eats Evolution pet food. For dogs V-Dog is a great brand. Dogs easily go vegetarian. Newman's pet food is another company that doesn't test on animals."

When it comes to breeders, Karpel doesn't mince words.

"For every dog purchased through a breeder, a shelter dog dies," Karpel said firmly. "It's tragic. There are 8 million animals entering shelters in this country every year. Four million of those animals have to be euthanized. Spay and neuter legislation requires spay and neutering of animals at a young age, because there is a crisis situation in the overpopulation of animals. In California, we need to get the message out: Always spay and neuter and never buy an animal from a breeder or pet store."

A few demonstrations are planned while Karpel is in town.

One demonstration will be held at a Kentucky Fried Chicken, as there are more than a dozen KFCs in and around the Valley.

Another demonstration will focus on the anti-fur campaign. It will be held outside the Burberry store in Beverly Hills. PETA will have girls painted in plaid with the slogan "When Plaid Goes Bad."

For more information on this campaign link to www.BloodyBurberry.com.

Educating our children is important and can be done without graphic examples. In fact, Karpel's mother and sister work with children in early education settings.

"It's important to start educating our children at a young age to have respect and appreciation for animals. Remind children that wild animals don't belong in circuses. Remind children that animals have families and feelings just like us. A child has a right to know what he or she eats. A turkey is an animal. A chicken is an animal. Make it simple, but be honest. No animal should ever be a fabric," Karpel said. "Being a part of PETA, which is non-profit, has been extremely fulfilling. Once you learn about chickens being tortured or foxes languishing at fur farms, you feel the need to get involved. My work has even had an effect on my family, who still live and work in the Valley. My mom, dad, and sisters have all proudly gone Vegan. It comes down to education; educating this generation and the next generation."

There are many people around the world who have become vegetarian, vegan, or simply passionate about animal rights, including celebrities such as Pamela Anderson and Joaquin Phoenix.

For more information on animal rights or a vegan lifestyle link to www.PETA.org.

For additional information on non-tested animal foods link to