PETA protesters gathered in Midtown Atlanta, urging an end to the National Institutes of Health’s experiments on animals.

A demonstrator dressed in a mouse costume waved to pro-Palestinian protesters near the intersection of 10th and Spring streets Thursday, about 90 minutes before the presidential debate at CNN’s studios in Atlanta. The area is being shared with pro-Palestinian demonstrators who are calling for an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

A PETA protester in a mouse costume waves to demonstrators in Midtown.

Credit: Seeger Gray

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Credit: Seeger Gray

The mouse, complete with an open surgical site on its back, held a sign reading, “Cut the NIH’s $22 billion budget, not mice.” Julie Robertson — PETA member, Atlanta resident and the one behind the costume — took occasional breaks from the mouse head for fresh air and left Midtown by 8:30 p.m.

The National Institutes of Health receives roughly $48 billion in federal government funding, according to their website. Senior Campaigner at PETA Amanda Brody said the federal agency puts $22 billion toward animal testing.

“We want the next President of the United States to end this disastrous, multi billion dollar debacle and prioritize sophisticated animal free research,” Brody said.