Washington--People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has long been known for its outrageous, camera-seeking campaigns that have offended holocaust survivors, outraged Christians, and target children. But this week, PETA's self-described "total press sluts" are receiving a sort of media attention that they actually don't want.

A new TV ad launched this week by the Center for Consumer Freedom uncovers PETA's darker side. Research in PETA's IRS records shows numerous cases in which the group has funneled its tax-exempt funds criminals affiliated with the terrorist Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and the Earth Liberation Front (ELF). PETA's shameful history includes a $1,500 check written directly to the North American Earth Liberation Front, and a $70,400 gift to convicted arsonist Rodney Coronado, who spent 57 months in federal prison for firebombing a Michigan State University research lab.

ALF and ELF crimes have become so rampant that the FBI has labeled the groups a "serious domestic terror threat," and has been forced to devote precious counter-terrorism resources to their investigation. An FBI terrorism task force chief in Pennsylvania recently said: "On the domestic front, we have enough that keeps us busy with the Earth Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation Front...That, in and of itself, is enough to justify the [joint terrorism] task force."

The voiceover in the new Center for Consumer Freedom TV ad is PETA campaign director Bruce Friedrich, who issued the following statement to animal-rights radicals at a 2001 convention:

"Of course we're going to be, as a movement, blowing things up and smashing windows...I think it would be great if all of the fast-food outlets, slaughterhouses, these laboratories, and the banks that fund them exploded tomorrow. I think it's perfectly appropriate for people to take brinks and toss them through windows...Hallelujah to the people that are willing to do it."

The ad closes with the tag line: "PETA: As Warm And Cuddly As You Though?" and promotes the Center's newest website www.animalscam.com.

The Center for Consumer Freedom plans to air the 30-second spot in select markets on CNN, MSNBC and the Fox News Network.