Protest group takes stock

An animal rights group known for protests in which members go naked to get their message across is trying a more staid tactic to influence companies: buying stock.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) now owns a piece of at least 80 companies, including McDonald's and Kraft Foods.

Senior Peta campaigner Ashley Byrne said buying stock gave the international organisation a new forum in which to present its ideas.