PETA Sexes up 'Spay Day'

Never ones to shy away from controversy, the animal rights organization turns to hot ads to promote 'safe sex' for pets.

Adult film star Sasha Grey. Porn king Ron Jeremy. 9½ Weeks star Mickey Rourke. Put 'em in a lineup out of context and you'd never guess that they were spokespeople for getting your pet spayed.

Leave it to PETA to rock the boat on a topic that until recently was left to the less-exciting words of Bob Barker (and now Drew Carey) at the end of each episode of The Price is Right: "Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered."

February 23 is "Spay Day," and in anticipation of the one day each year that leaves even the heartiest of pooches cowering in the corner with their legs crossed, Tonic offers up a look at the history of sexy (or not) ads the animal rights organization uses to spread (eh-hem) the word. From the suggestion that dogs would use condoms if they could, to a dreamy old-school movie-star photo of Patricia Arquette; from Dancing With the Stars' Carrie Ann Inaba in garter belt and stockings, to the in-your-face edict to "have the balls" to get your dog fixed, check out this slide show of PETA's best Spay Day ads...

All images courtesy PETA