Wichita ? A national animal rights group plans to erect billboards in Wichita urging people on both sides of the abortion debate to go vegetarian.

One version of the billboard says, “Pro-Life? Go Vegetarian.” The other says, “Pro-Choice? Choose Vegetarian.” Both feature a photo of three baby chicks.

Lindsay Rajt, campaign manager for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said the billboards were prompted by the recent shooting death of abortion doctor George Tiller, who was killed Sunday at his church.

“The discussion of the value of life is front and center right now in the public conversation,” Rajt said.

“We think we would be irresponsible if we don’t talk about how we’re all guilty of extreme cruelty to animals every time we sit down to a meal that includes meat.”

Rajt said her group contacted Wichita-area billboard companies Tuesday but was waiting to hear back about availability. She did not know where or when the billboards would be posted.

The Virginia-based group opposes eating animals or using any animal byproducts. It also opposes animal testing, hunting, fishing and factory farming.

PETA has been criticized for the style and content of its campaigns, including a 2003 “Holocaust on Your Plate” exhibition, which juxtaposed images of the Holocaust with images of factory farming.

News of the group’s plans in Wichita drew fierce response from many in the community Tuesday.

Some who posted comments to a story on Kansas.com called the campaign tasteless and opportunistic; others urged Wichitans to ask billboard companies to reject the PETA billboards. “How long was PETA hoping for a doctor to get killed to get these signs up?” wrote one person.

Rajt said the timing or content of the billboards may be controversial. But as of late Tuesday, her group had no plans to cancel the campaign.

“If our billboards leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth, we just think they might give a thought to what animals feel when they go to the slaughterhouse,” she said.

“While our hearts go out to the family and friends of George Tiller, we are hoping that these billboards will make those who are rightly shocked by his murder sit up and realize that behind closed doors, millions of animals are suffering every day, and that we as individuals can help to reduce the amount of violence and suffering in the world.”