MANILA, Philippines -- An animal rights group on Thursday urged people to shift from cow’s milk to soy milk, saying this was not only safe in the face of the scare caused by contaminated milk and milk products from China, but would also protect cows from “cruel” treatment.

Members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia-Pacific, accompanied by a volunteer dressed as Santa Claus, went around Manila’s Binondo district handing out some 500 packs of soy milk.

"Melamine isn't the only health hazard associated with milk. Dairy products contain no fiber or complex carbohydrates, and are laden with saturated fat and cholesterol," said Ashley Fruno, senior campaigner for PETA.

She was referring to a global pullout or even ban of milk and dairy products from China after thousands of children who got sick were found to have been fed milk laced with melamine, a toxic chemical used in making plastics.

Cow’s milk, Fruno added, is sometimes contaminated with the animal's blood and pesticides.

PETA official Rochelle Regodon claimed processing dairy products from cow's milk is tantamount to “murder” and cruelty against animals.

She said cows worldwide are artificially inseminated every year to force them to produce milk.

"The fact that human adults consume huge quantities of dairy products made from milk that was meant for a baby cow just doesn't make sense," said Regodon.

PETA said several studies have that shown soy milk contains about the same nutrients as cow’s milk -- 3.5 percent protein, 2 percent fat, 2.9 percent carbohydrates and 0.5 percent ash.

Soy milk can be homemade using traditional kitchen tools, or made with a machine. It is also readily available in groceries and stores.

Fruno also said soy milk costs the same as processed cow's milk.