Does PETA really euthanize most animals?

[benali72]

I've seen several articles on the web alleging that PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) is hypocritical because they euthanize over 90 percent of the animals they collect for "adoption."

Is this true?

Here are links to example stories that allege this --

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/petaKillsAnimals.cfm
http://thecitizensjournalblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/peta-cleared-to-kill-more-animals.html
many others (just such on "PETA euthanizes 90 percent" or similar google terms)

Thanks for your feedback.

[tiffers]

I've heard this. I believe it. Now, where they do bad in some places...they also do some good elsewhere. For instance, the PetSmart supply 'Rainbow Exotics' is being investigated because of PETA...and to that I say, it's about darn time someone does something to them.

[katiem]

I've heard this one too. I don't know how true it is, but it's possible. I know they have issues with people keeping animals as pets. They say it's cruel. So all of us who love and dote on our pets are cruel. For keeping domesticated animals.
On the other hand, I love thier anti-fur campaign "I'd Rather Go Naked", that was a good one. And PETA T.V. has some really informative videos, however they are not for the weak of heart or stomach.

[xpalaboyx]

i never heard that news before... its really sad to know if ever this news is true.

[Jennicat]

It's possible, but I don't know if we're seeing the whole picture. What you euthanize is entirely a product of what you get.

I do know that in this part of the country, shelters commonly euthanize by gas chamber, and that many rescues do 'adopt' dogs to take them to a vet and have them euthanized. They don't have room for these dogs, but they don't want to leave them to die by being crammed into a gas chamber with several others animals, and then sit and bite, scream, vomit, and slam their heads into the walls trying to escape. It's a horrific way to die.

Though I disagree with much of what Peta does, I try to examine each individual act for merit instead of immediately going "OMG PETA DID IT IT'S BAD". After all, they've got a great spay and neuter video out right now. I don't think anyone here would argue that spaying and neutering pets is bad.

[Ltlpistol]

They have a new ad out right now, comparing the AKC to the KKK, it's pretty stupid, but I do believe that PETA euthanizes most of the animals they supposedly save. But yes, they do do good things in other areas.

[gsdlover]

its true. they just have an excellent P.R. person to sweep it all under the rug. 2 people in N.C. were fired because they took animals from an overflow at the local humane society saying they would find them homes. instead, the euthanized them in the back of a van. there are pictures of the freezer they kept the cats and dogs in and bags of dead animals also. they then claimed that the animals were better off dead than living in a cage. however, when the people at the humane society were interviewed, they stated that the animals they gave PETA were perfectly adoptable. They don't believe in zoos, pets or anything that keeps animals "caged up". they do good things also. like they bascially forced wendy's to switch to humane distributors and refuse to buy from any farm that treats their animals inhumanely. but they are rather extreme in their beliefs.

[Jennicat]

I'd just like to point out for comparison's sake, we were handed a "perfectly adoptable" rabbit from a shelter a couple of years ago who was halfway bald and who had a steady stream of pus-laden ******l discharge. She had uterine cancer that had spread to several organs and had to be euthanized within hours of us pulling her.

[Ltlpistol]

Very sad, but at least you were able to have her put down humanely rather than her dying without help in the shelter.

[Jennicat]

That's true, I can't imagine how long that poor girl suffered. The shelter didn't mean any harm, I think they legitimately just had no clue about rabbits.

[Ltlpistol]

Not many places do have the knowledge that rabbits require. I bred and raised them for several years, and I'll be the first to admit I'm still learning about them.

[benali72]

Jennicat,

That is really terrible about shelters killing animals by the gas chamber!

I believe that people have the right to kill animals (for sustenance, for humane reasons, etc).

But I think ANY animal has the minimal right to be killed in a humane way. That does NOT include poison gas. Hitler is gone but his legacy lives on.
- - - - - - -

Thanks for all the responses about PETA. I knew nothing whatsoever about them. Now I understand that they are a group most people (and animal lovers) would consider radical, doing both bad and good along the way.

[buiza]

its true. they just have an excellent P.R. person to sweep it all under the rug. 2 people in N.C. were fired because they took animals from an overflow at the local humane society saying they would find them homes. instead, the euthanized them in the back of a van. there are pictures of the freezer they kept the cats and dogs in and bags of dead animals also. they then claimed that the animals were better off dead than living in a cage. however, when the people at the humane society were interviewed, they stated that the animals they gave PETA were perfectly adoptable. They don't believe in zoos, pets or anything that keeps animals "caged up". they do good things also. like they bascially forced wendy's to switch to humane distributors and refuse to buy from any farm that treats their animals inhumanely. but they are rather extreme in their beliefs.

I am a member of Peta and I will admit that I don't approve of some of the over the top things that they do but I do know that they love animals and are truely concerned for their welfare.
I also don't believe in any circus, redeo, rodeside shows, fur, or vivisection to name a few especially where animals are forced to perform for people when all they want is to be an animal. Peta fights very hard to put a stop to these things. I am sure you will all agree that even an animal that is raised for food has the right to humane treatment until the time of it's death.

[shaun37]

oh, i hope not. hopefully they save as many animals as they can. perhaps some of the animals they rescue have been so mistreated that the animals are unsocialized, aggressive, or infected from neglect.

this site has a few of the most recent PETA ads with roselyn sanchez and ami james from miami ink. i don't agree with some of PETA's tactics, but their ads are provocative and catch people's attention. i hope this story is untrue.

PETA ads on this site: http://thepounce.blogspot.com

[LadyLynn]

it is my understanding, but I have no real idea about it that Peta is so extreme in their beliefs that many animal lovers steer clear of their organization.

Hearing, and I do mean just hearing that they euthanize over 90 % of the pets they rescue doesn't set well with me. Peta is also being blamed for targeting pet nandays in Pennsylvania when indeed nandays couldn't survive on their own in the wild in the Pennsylvania harsh weather and are simply pets.

Quite frankly because of what I've heard about Peta even as a child, I want absolutely nothing to do with the organization, other than to keep a close eye on what they propose and what they want to do, and they will do it quite WITHOUT my support.

[Babbs]

it is my understanding, but I have no real idea about it that Peta is so extreme in their beliefs that many animal lovers steer clear of their organization.

Hearing, and I do mean just hearing that they euthanize over 90 % of the pets they rescue doesn't set well with me. Peta is also being blamed for targeting pet nandays in Pennsylvania when indeed nandays couldn't survive on their own in the wild in the Pennsylvania harsh weather and are simply pets.

Quite frankly because of what I've heard about Peta even as a child, I want absolutely nothing to do with the organization, other than to keep a close eye on what they propose and what they want to do, and they will do it quite WITHOUT my support.

I couldn't agree more with your post! Just like with anything, there are extremists that ruin the whole cause for everyone else. I feel PETA is an extremist group, who will stop at NOTHING for thier cause. Don't get me wrong, I agree with the cause, but not the tactics they use sometimes to get the point across.

[Danegirl2208]

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/petasdirtysecret.cfm
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/06/23/EDG11DC9BK1.DTL
http://www.nokillnow.com/PETAIngridNewkirkResign.htm

[That_girl]

I couldn't agree more with your post! Just like with anything, there are extremists that ruin the whole cause for everyone else. I feel PETA is an extremist group, who will stop at NOTHING for thier cause. Don't get me wrong, I agree with the cause, but not the tactics they use sometimes to get the point across.


Ditto...well said.

[LadyLynn]

I'm sorry, I just think PETA spends a lot of time and money playing God when it comes to animals, in what extremes I've seen and heard.

Most of my pets came to me, I didn't just go pick them up, or purchase them. Animals have a way of knocking on doors and asking please help me I want to be loved.

so as I've said, I'll keep my eyes wide open to what they are doing, but I'm not about to support them.

[Roofrabbit]

Yes, PeTA puts more animals to sleep than they adopt and they mis-use donations to promote Vegan lifestyles. But they put the money where their mouths are when it comes to stopping extreme cruelty when they are aware of it.
Wayne P. (the HSUS peacock) is up in arms over the cattle issue recently aired and has been known to get down and dirty when duty calls (he also has a long history with PeTA). Ingrid N. admits to going overboard when animals can't defend themselves because she has seen too many cases of animal abuse on an international level that would shock the living daylights out of most people.
I personally dislike PeTA (because they try to force their views on people) but was an active member in the eighties and signed up on their website a few weeks ago in order to receive alerts if an animal-emergency hits our neck of the woods. Nobody will receive money from us because we have too many rescued animals to feed and no financial aid.

I'm on the band wagon for a National Spay/Neuter law for all cats and dogs in the USA and PeTA is the only organization that has the "power" to make it happen. Sometimes a person has to swallow a little pride for the larger cause.

[LadyLynn]

I'm sorry there can be no fence sitters when it comes to PETA: YOu Either support them or you don't.

As for the last issues stated about "Knowing" That is absolutely rediculous! Town gossips, and caring individuals have been known to do a thing or two.

PEta may have the "Most power to do spay and nutering, but they are not the only ones who have the power to do so.

no offense toward anyone here. I'm stating an opposing view.
I would never sign up for PETA knowing what I know.

They might pitch fits and do something about the cruelty done to like the cattle that were mistreated, misused and cruely killed, but did it occur to you that it is EXTREMELY CRUEL to put down a perfectly healthy animal that is perfectly adoptable too?

I'm sorry, I do not like any organization playing God.

PETA will do whatever they do, but as stated before quite WITHOUT my support.

[Jennicat]

I'm sorry there can be no fence sitters when it comes to PETA: YOu Either support them or you don't.

As an animal rescuer who works closely with many vets, and has a lot of experience with rehoming animals, working with shelters, and a more realistic view of how many animals are euthanized and why, I find this extremely insulting.

Nothing in the world is so childishly black and white. It would be nice if you'd stop telling people what they do or don't support based on your own personal opinions. Again, though I have problems with some of their campaigns, I would be stupid to say that I NEVER support what they do. Right now they're investigating Petsmart's mill suppliers, have an ongoing campaign for spay and neuter, and are one of the few people speaking out against stores which sell animals. I can't imagine that anyone here does not support those initiatives. But to some people, it's more important to wave a flag of for or against than to look at the big picture.

(BTW, some sources besides "OMGPETAISKILLINGANIMALSLOOKGUYS.COM" would be nice. If I posted sources from petaisgreat.com I doubt you'd consider them unbiased.)

[LadyLynn]

Jennicat: I stated it was an "Opinion," and if you've read my very first post on this thread, you would understand exactly why I said what I said!

And I meant you either do support PETA, or you don't with money, time and energy................ sorry nobody can just get into someone elses head.


It is just becoming OBVIUOUS that way too many people seem to think that what they say is far and obove opinions on the site so I may just bow out of the site for a while and maybe a long time....................

I'm sorry you do not like or agree with OPINIONSD!!!!!!!!!

[Jennicat]

I did read your very first post on this thread. You stated that you "understood" but didn't know for sure about how extreme Peta's beliefs were. I don't like being told that I'm either for or against something based on something that someone else has heard, but doesn't know for sure.

I don't feel like my opinions are better or above anyone else's, but I'm a human being just like everyone else on the board, and I don't appreciate being told what I believe or what that means about me.

Sorry you don't like or agree with MY opinion.

[LadyLynn]

Jenicat: MINE WAS JUST THAT!!! AN OPINION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and I wasn't telling you what to believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Roofrabbit]

No rescue organization is willing to take on the Nat.Spay/Neuter law which will solve ALL the stray/feral cat/dog problems in the USA. If everybody jumped on the issue we would see results, PeTA is the only organization with that level of exposure. They slack on spays and neuters in favor of issues we consider rather stupid but an email alert can direct us to animals that need help in our area. Alley Cat Allies doesn't have that...yet.

I'm a little upset about the "fence sitter" jab but understand the harsh feelings people have for PeTA, and they are not without reason. My former rescue partner was a PeTA "freak" who had two kittens in my care PTS because they "looked sick"...need I say more?

Caring individuals usually end up in jail for tresspassing and/or risk harm when an angry owner of an abused animal doesn't want to cooperate. With strick animal laws in place (and actually enforced) we hope to read less and less about abuse.

...FTR: "total animal liberation" is a ridiculous concept.

[That_girl]

No rescue organization is willing to take on the Nat.Spay/Neuter law which will solve ALL the stray/feral cat/dog problems in the USA. If everybody jumped on the issue we would see results, PeTA is the only organization with that level of exposure. They slack on spays and neuters in favor of issues we consider rather stupid but an email alert can direct us to animals that need help in our area. Alley Cat Allies doesn't have that...yet.


What is the spay/neuter law?

[Jennicat]

Jenicat: MINE WAS JUST THAT!!! AN OPINION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and I wasn't telling you what to believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Being told there are 'no fence sitters' and that you're either one or the other is telling me what I believe. I don't believe that it's black or white. I believe that they do good and bad. I'm behind the campaigns which I feel are valid, but question some of their more outrageous campaigns. Maybe if other organizations stepped up to do more like this, there would be more options for people to support. :)

Just as an example, here's an investigation into a hoarder case that peta frontlined:

http://www.peta.org/feat/acgas/index1.asp

People complained about this "rescue" for almost a DECADE. And nobody did anything until peta went in and did video and raised hell. Now the NCDA has finally closed that awful place, and the animals have gone to other rescues and out to be adopted. I've got 2 guinea pigs that our rescue pulled from there. In the end, they probably saved hundreds of animals... but that never gets put up at the "omgpetaisbadpeopletheykilleverything" sites.

[LadyLynn]

You are free to interpret, read into what I've said. I flat out refuse to argue with anyone.

And as I've stated before:

PETA will do what they do quite WITHOUT!!!!! my support.

I can stlill make a difference in the lives of animals, 'even on a larger scale quite WITHOUT!!!! PETA if I wished to

just like anyone else.

PETA has way too many ideas, yes based on what I've HEARD, and would probably find documented for my taste.

PETA DOES NOT HAVE MY SUPPORT!!!!!

Other human organizations however, no matter how large or small do.

[krazy4birds]

I think a break is called for here and this is the verdict.
LadyLynn and Jennicat.....You both obviously have a great passion about what you "believe" and that is good. But, it is also very obvious that you are not going to come to an agreement together, so my advice here is to let it go. The conversation in my opinion to this point was well behaved....I am NOT blaming either side nor do I want any apologies or anything of the sort. We are all free to have opinions but when they get heated on an otherwise well balanced forum.....then it is time for an unbiased opinion to say "enough" I would appreciate it if you both just back down and if you can not come to this thread again without starting all over then please stay away and let the thread go on as it was.
ATT: 1st warning
Thank you, Krazy4birds

[Macawpower58]

I also will not support Peta. While they have done works of good, they're main drive is to 'free' all animals from man's dominion. Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, food animals, and all others they believe should not be owned by man. By endorsing them, I feel it is putting a noose around our own necks. In the long run, they are the nail in the pet owners coffin.

[LadyLynn]

I have thought long and hard about this, and while I will state: I will not support PETA in any way shape or form, nor visit any of their websites, or threads anywhere, nor give them money on purpose

I do feel because of mine and Jennicat's behavior, I formally apologize to all forum members who may per chance read this thread for my behavior at least.

when I come to a forum I do not, nor have I ever, nor will I purposefully "get into it with anyone.

I believe Macawpower's 58 stated my position, and many others who want nothing to do with PETA beautifully.

May we all learn to share in a positive light.

I am truly sorry for my sharp and defensive words on my part.

[gottadance47]

as a vegan, i honestly cannot see very much, if any, good done by peta. they are completely over the top with their methods & i don't really think they always have the best intentions in mind.

[RedTucker]

I have very mixed opinions about PETA. They are headquartered pretty much out my back door. As far as I know, PETA is not in the rescue business. I have never figured out how they could justify (and they tried) traveling out of state to remove animals from a shelter where they stood some chance of adoption, lethally inject them in the back of a van and then throw them in a dumpster on the way back to Virginia - which is what they were arrested for - illegal dumping. I don't appreciate their advertising tactics which seem geared more towards making headline news. On the other hand - I believe they've done a lot of good with animal cruelty issues especially with bringing to light the treatment of animals in slaughter houses. For now my money goes to the local humane society - not PETA. :confused:

[snakemaster]

Despite its deceptively warm-and-fuzzy public image, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has donated over $150,000 to criminal activists -- including those jailed for arson, burglary, and even attempted murder. In 2001, PETA donated $1,500 to the North American Earth Liberation Front, a criminal organization that the FBI classifies as 'domestic terrorists'. And since 2000, rank-and-file PETA activists have been arrested over 80 times for breaking various laws during PETA protests. Charges included felony obstruction of government property, criminal mischief, assaulting a cabinet official, felony vandalism, performing obscene acts in public, destruction of federal property, and burglary."
The Center for Consumer Freedom
"One day, we would like an end to pet shops and the breeding of animals."
Ingrid Newkirk, President — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
"The Humane Society of the United States strongly opposes keeping wild animals as pets. This principle applies to both native and nonnative species, whether caught in the wild or bred in captivity."
Humane Society of the United States Website
"If you are thinking about acquiring an exotic animal, please think again! The Vancouver Humane Society opposes the keeping of exotic animals as pets."
Vancouver Humane Society Website
"The BC SPCA is opposed to the breeding and keeping of exotic or wild animals, including their hybrids, as companion animals, and to the importation and commercial trade in exotic or wild animals destined for the pet market."
BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Website
"While PETA collects millions in donations by pretending to advocate for the welfare of animals, the group has killed 17,400 pets since 1998. Some animals are killed at PETA headquarters and stored in a giant walk-in freezer. Others are killed in roving death vans and tossed into dumpsters. In fact, less than three percent of the animals handed over to People for the 'Ethical' Treatment of Animals actually survive."
PETA kills animals

[snakemaster]

Posts: 244
Re: general info
Reply #2 - Today at 16:25:57 Consumer Group Asks Virginia Government to Reclassify PETA as a
Slaughterhouse

New Data Shows PETA Killed 97 Percent Of Dogs And Cats In 2006


WASHINGTON, DC- Yesterday the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom
formally
petitioned Virginia's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(VDACS), requesting that the government agency officially reclassify
People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) as a slaughterhouse.

An official report filed by PETA itself shows that the animal rights
group
put to death nearly every dog, cat, and other pet it took in for
adoption in
2006. During that year, the well-known animal rights group managed to
find
adoptive homes for just 12 animals. Not counting pets brought to PETA
for
spaying or neutering, the organization killed 2,981 of the 3,061
"companion
animals" it took in. According to VDACS, the average euthanasia rate
for
humane societies in Virginia was 34.7 percent in 2006. PETA's "kill
rate"
was 97.4 percent.


"It is absurd to classify PETA as a `humane society' when its employees
are
slaughtering nearly every companion animal they bring in," said CCF
Director
of Research David Martosko. "PETA has killed over 17,000 pets since
1998.
Given the group's astonishing habit of killing adoptable dogs and cats
with
such ruthless efficiency, it's only fair that the state of Virginia
refer to
PETA as a slaughterhouse."

CCF's letter to VDACS Commissioner Todd Haymore reads as follows:

---------

---------

Dear Commissioner Haymore,

The Norfolk-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
enjoys
nonprofit status as a "humane society" and "releasing agency"
as defined in Virginia Code ? 3.1-796.66. But when PETA filed its
required
online "Animal Record" report for the year 2006, it reported something
startling.

Setting aside the dogs and cats the group sterilized that year, PETA
euthanized (killed) 97.4 percent of all the domestic animals it took
in.[1]
This percentage has been steadily increasing each year since 2001, when
PETA's "kill rate" was 72.4 percent. In 2006, the state average for
"humane
societies" was less than 35 percent.

In 2006, PETA employees killed 2,980 dogs, cats, and other pets; they
transferred 46 to other Virginia releasing agencies; they adopted out
only
12.

During a 2007 criminal trial in North Carolina, a PETA manager
testified
that her organization maintains a large walk-in freezer for the storage
of
animal carcasses. She testified that PETA employs a crematory service
to
periodically dispose of the bodies. And she also affirmed that (despite
its
$32 million budget), PETA does not operate a public "shelter" where
members
of the public may select dogs or cats and adopt them into their homes.

Given PETA's apparent practice of killing animals shortly after they
come in
the door (or, in the North Carolina case, inside a cargo van), without
making a good-faith effort to find them adoptive homes or provide
necessary
long-term veterinary care, its classification as a "humane society" and
"releasing agency" seems inappropriate.

Accordingly, I am requesting as a resident of Virginia that your office
strip PETA of these designations, and regulate it instead in the future
as a
"slaughterhouse."

I recognize that Virginia law presently provides only for the
regulation of
slaughterhouses, packing facilities, and stockyards which handle
animals
defined as "livestock." I respectfully suggest that you should also
amend
your regulations to account for the fact that at least one Virginia
institution (PETA) already operates a slaughterhouse for dogs and cats.

Sincerely,

David Martosko

Director of Research

The Center for Consumer Freedom is a nonprofit coalition supported by
restaurants, food companies, and consumers, working together to promote
personal responsibility and protect consumer choices.

For media comment, contact our media department at 202-463-7112 ext. 115
Back to top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[katiem]

I also would not give any monetary support to PETA, they are just too extreme for my tastes. That being said I do like some of the points they make, as I had mentioned before, in regards to the fur industry. I also thought the Iamsodead sickers were an eye opener. They do some good, unfortunately the "higher ups" all seem to be a little insane in their beliefs about animals.

Personally I would rather give my money to animal rescue groups who are working hard to find homes for unwanted animals, change animal rights law, work towards abolishing BSL, etc...

[LadyLynn]

The truth is, PETa is not likely to want the average pet owner to know their business, that they slaughter pets and quite without good reason.

As I've stated earlier I would never give Peta a dime knowingly. I will not visit their websites either- knowing this is a way for them to convince people to give them "money for their cause."

And as I've tried to make clear, no, I cannot rescue every needy animal on the planet, but as for the one or the few I can I will at least be comfortable knowing that I have made a difference in the life, or lives of the few pets that are in my care.

Right now I'm very proud of them, and just cuz I appreciate them for being them, I find I'll honor them by mentioning their names here.

I hope others who find they love their pets will start naming their pets and species. and that we are "Against Peta."

They do not represent the truth about pet ownership, and the power to kill should be taken from them.

1. Sage- Sagel Fritz, Sagey Boy, or Little Bit is a 7 year old Jenday Conure.
2. Ebony Susan Riley- Pure bred black lab.
3. Mz. Twiggy Bird- 13 year old Nanday Conure
4. Princess, Princess May, Lady May, Her Royal Highness- dog- mixed breed.
5. Kiwi Anna 11 year old Nanday Conure
6. Clover- Siamese cat
7. Dusty- Grey Cockatiel
8. Greyson- Grey Cockatiel.

May God always bless us with the capaciy to love our pets, never pass them off so boldly to organizations that profess one thing and do quite the opposite.

As I've said I might not be making a difference to anyone else, but I'm content that I am for the pets I've just mentioned and honor.

[Jaime]

I do agree that PETA has a kick-ass anti-fur campaign and some very informational videos, and their IAMS campaign was absolutely amazing years back. But recently they have taken a turn for the worst.

Did you know that PETA wanted all of Michael Vick's pit bulls killed? And now they are jealous because of the money that is being used to rehabilitate the dogs didnt go to them? Read this...

http://thoughtsfurpaws.com/dogs/michael-vick-pit-bullspeta/


PETA actually tried to make $ off the Micheal Vick scandal by doing a membership drive using pictures of the dogs, when in reality, they just took that money they made and then announced they wanted the dogs killed. Assholes. So people donated money thinking they would be helping the dogs.

And yes its true that they killed 97 percent of the animals they "rescued" in 2006. This is another post about that:
http://thoughtsfurpaws.com/dogs/peta-kills-pets/

I WAS a supported of PETA and am SO GLAD I didn't renew my membership since 2006. I will never send them money again.

[Jaime]

Where did you get the info from on them supporting ELF...? I wonder why they would support ELF and not ALF... a more likely ally. Interesting.

[Ladysnakes]

Seems like most people in this thread already agree, but here's my stance of PETA.

Yes, PETA "gets things done" and gets attention, but it gets as much (if not more) negative than positive attention due to its tactics. Militant organizations like PETA and Greenpeace may have good goals but their methodology turns the public away and stains the very causes they are fighting for.

People who love animals enough will always fight for them whether or not PETA is around- but people who are only just moderately interested, the bulk of the public- the people animal-welfare fighters really NEED on their side- will be far more likely to donate money or time to somewhere like the Humane Society, some organization that reaches them through *appealing* means, not scare/shock tactics and major, major guilt-tripping. That turns people off. Always.

It doesn't really matter if PETA means well or if it it gets some things done or if there are good individuals inside it. In the end I strongly suspect it's doing more harm than good and I think there's lots of evidence out there to back that up.

[talltail]

I agree with Ladysnakes, PETA gets too much negative attention to do much good. I wish they would step back some and start a little easier. If they want no more domesticated animals, fine, cross that bridge when we get to it. But today, that just won't happen. So instead of working with, they're working against.

[buiza]

PETA Does A Lot You Don't Know About...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I do agree that PETA has a kick-ass anti-fur campaign and some very informational videos, and their IAMS campaign was absolutely amazing years back. But recently they have taken a turn for the worst.

Did you know that PETA wanted all of Michael Vick's pit bulls killed? And now they are jealous because of the money that is being used to rehabilitate the dogs didnt go to them? Read this...

I have to admit , I couldn't believe it when Mike Vick's dogs were allowed to live! For me this was like a miracle or wonderful breakthrough. Finally someone was willing to take a fighting dog that had known nothing but pain and cruelty and give it the chance to become the beloved pet of someone that wanted to show this poor animal the other side of a dogs life. The fact that they care enough to do this which I am sure won't be easy make very special people in my eyes.

[MustLuvMutts]

We must remember that while PETA does euthanize a huge % of the animals put in their care, they have a much smaller numbers of animals than the animal shelters and pounds in the first place, so it makes the percentages seem much more dramatic. I'm not defending PETA, mind you. They seem to make no effort to find those animals homes before killing them. It's sad because people often turn their animals over to PETA, believing it's probably one of the best places to give their animals. And you know that despite PETA members believing animals should be free from human ownership, most of them probably have pets! I also feel they're more concerned with controversy than actually spreading their message. I have rarely seen a PETA add on television, and this is probably because so many of them have been deemed "too racy" or "too graphic." They know this, yet the continue to produce the same type of advertisements.
Sorry, I've gone slightly off topic here.

[buiza]

[QUOTE=MustLuvMutts]We must remember that while PETA does euthanize a huge % of the animals put in their care, they have a much smaller numbers of animals than the animal shelters and pounds in the first place, so it makes the percentages seem much more dramatic. I'm not defending PETA, mind you. They seem to make no effort to find those animals homes before killing them. It's sad because people often turn their animals over to PETA, believing it's probably one of the best places to give their animals.[QUOTE]

I hope you realize that you are scaring me to death. Not only am I a member of PETA but have always believed so strongly concerning the things that they do.
I admit that my main anger comes from things like the circus, rodeo's, vivisection and the treatment of animals raised for food.

I think I need to take a closer look at this and realize that there are many more animals than the ones I mentioned above.

There is no way I can champion an organization that preaches one thing then does another.

Thank you for this information because I love all animals and I refuse to be a part of a group that says one thing while they are harming the same animals that I am trying to protect.

[lindsayanng]

Have you seen Friends of Animals... they feel just as strongly as PETA about the things you feel passionate about like circus' food animals, and all that.. They also have a higher rate of rehabilitation and less euthanization.

Visit Friend's of Animal's Site (http://friendsofanimals.org/)

They have a WIDE range of topics that they work on and they are less likely to blow up a laboratory and mame innocent peopel to save the animals.. i am just completely AGAINST peta, and theya re REALLY good at telling young people or overly passionate people about the GOOD things they do, and leave out the bad things.

I was disappointed when i saw Cameron Diaz and Pam Anderson backing PETA. There are SOO many better organizations out there, PETA give animal rights activists a bad name

[MustLuvMutts]

PETA give animal rights activists a bad name

I completely agree. Most people think of animal rights and automatically see images of PETA members throwing blood or paint on people, etc. PETA does stand for many good things, but they don't walk the walk. They seem more concerned with being extreme and associating with celebrities than getting the attention of the average person who is unaware of much of the animal cruelty that goes on.

PETA spent nearly $10,000 on the freezer to keep dead animal bodies. Where did they get that money? It is probably safe to assume that they were able to afford that freezer due to the huge amount of donations they receive to keep their organization going. Donations should be going to create a place to house these orphaned animals until they can get a good home, not to kill them and store their frozen bodies in trash bags.