New York, NY (AHN) -- The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently announced that they are seeking the rights to Michael Jackson's 1972 hit song "Ben" about a boy and his pet rat.

They would like to use the song to raise attention on the plight of rats used in laboratory experiments.

Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of PETA, said in a statement released on Tuesday, "Michael Jackson's hit has always been a moving testament to the power of empathy for animals."

She added, "If more people could be inspired by his song to stop supporting the cruel and ineffective animal-testing industry, it would be a fitting and enduring tribute to this talented performer."

The song gave Jackson his first number one hit as a solo artist and was used as the theme of the movie of the same name, "Ben."

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