Eurovision is a contest meant to unite people, celebrate culture, and promote values of humanity and peace. However, Ireland’s 2025 Eurovision entry, "Laika", does the opposite—it romanticizes animal cruelty, glorifies Soviet propaganda, and whitewashes history.

🔴 Laika was not a hero. She was a victim.
The song presents the tragic story of Laika, the dog sent to space by the Soviet Union, as a nostalgic or poetic moment. But in reality, Laika was a victim of cruel animal experimentation. She was knowingly sent on a one-way mission to suffer and die alone in space. This was not a noble journey—it was a brutal sacrifice in the name of Cold War competition.

🔴 The Soviet space program killed dozens of animals in cruel experiments.
Laika’s tragic story is not an isolated case. The Soviet Union conducted dozens of fatal space missions using animals, many of whom suffered and died in horrific conditions:

Laika (1957) – Died from overheating and stress in Sputnik 2.
Bars & Lisichka (1960) – Killed when their rocket exploded on launch.
Pchyolka & Mushka (1960) – Perished when their capsule was intentionally destroyed to prevent it from falling into foreign hands.
Guinea pigs, rabbits, and hundreds of mice – Many suffocated, burned up, or were lost due to failed re-entry systems.

This song completely ignores the suffering of these animals and instead turns their deaths into a catchy tune.

🔴 These animal deaths were unnecessary—Soviets chose cruelty over ethics.

The Soviet Union used live animals not because it was necessary, but because it was cheaper and faster.
Unlike the U.S., which relied on dummies, robotic simulations, and high-altitude balloon tests, the Soviets rushed missions with live animals, often knowing they wouldn’t return.
Laika’s mission, for example, was rushed for propaganda purposes to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution in 1957. She was never meant to survive.
The Soviets could have developed recovery systems but chose not to, prioritizing political prestige over ethics.

🔴 This song serves as dangerous Russian propaganda.
At a time when Russia is actively manipulating history and committing atrocities in Ukraine, this song glorifies a Soviet-era event without acknowledging its cruelty. Eurovision has disqualified songs before for political reasons—why is this any different?

🔴 This song contradicts Ireland’s values and damages its reputation.
Ireland has a strong record on animal rights. Allowing a song that trivializes Laika’s suffering to represent the country at Eurovision sends a dangerous message: that animal cruelty is acceptable as long as it's wrapped in nostalgia.

We cannot allow a historical event that caused immense suffering to an innocent creature to be repackaged as entertainment. Nor can we allow historical revisionism to be smuggled under the guise of a catchy tune.

What we demand:
✅ RTÉ must officially withdraw “Laika” from Eurovision 2025.
✅ If RTÉ refuses, Eurovision (EBU) must investigate and disqualify the song.
✅ Eurovision fans, animal rights activists, and those who oppose propaganda must take a stand.

⚠️ Sign this petition to demand justice for Laika and stop the promotion of Soviet cruelty and misinformation at Eurovision!