Euthanasia over adoption: Why you should adopt a stray animal rather than giving it to PETA

Tuesday, July 19, 2016 by: Daniel Barker
Tags: PETA, euthanasia, adoption

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(NaturalNews) We've all seen examples of the high-profile militant activism that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) engages in, and judging by their fervent media campaigns one might draw the conclusion that the group is strongly committed to saving stray animals, but the truth may surprise you.

PETA shelters routinely kill animals by the thousands – often within 24 hours of their "rescue."

PETA kills 84 percent of animals within 24 hours

These practices may come as a shock to most people, but PETA's record of euthanizing nearly all of the cats and dogs it takes in has been well-documented.

From the Washington Times:

"The number of animals killed at a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) facility in Virginia increased 30 percent in 2014, according to a new report by the Center for Consumer Freedom.

"The animal rights group that touts responsible pet adoption and veganism euthanized a total of 2,324 dogs and cats at their facility in Norfolk last year, representing 88 percent of all pets PETA rescued, the CCF said. ...

"The report said 33,514 animals have died since 1998 at the hands of PETA. The kill numbers come from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), which requires annual disclosures. A 2010 inspection conducted by a VDACS revealed that 84 percent of the animals PETA took in were killed within 24 hours, the CCF said. Only 1.5 percent of dogs and cats reportedly found a permanent home outside of the shelter."

PETA's defense

Many animal lovers and animal rights activists question PETA's methods, but PETA officials defend their practice of euthanizing animals turned over to their shelters.

In essence, PETA does not typically operate "traditional" animal shelters where pets can be adopted, but rather they offer "free euthanasia facilities" for those who can't afford to take care of their pets, or for sick and old animals.

Commenting on PETA shelters in North Carolina and Virginia, PETA vice president for cruelty investigations Daphna Nachminovitch described these facilities as a "last resort."

Nachminovitch told Philly.com:

"Most of the animals we take in are euthanized at the owner's request. They come to us with dying animals in their arm. We alleviate suffering. ...

"The animals we take in and euthanize I don't worry about it. It's the dogs at the end of a chain who die a horrible death."

From PETA.org:

"As long as animals are still purposely bred and people aren't spaying and neutering their companions, open-admission animal shelters and organizations like PETA must do society's dirty work. Euthanasia is not a solution to overpopulation but rather a tragic necessity given the present crisis. PETA is proud to be a 'shelter of last resort,' where animals who have no place to go or who are unwanted or suffering are welcomed with love and open arms."

It's important to understand the distinction between the services PETA provides and those of traditional animal shelters. If you are interested in rescuing or donating an animal for adoption, a PETA shelter is not the place you should take them. However, PETA does provide valuable spaying and neutering services, as well as euthanasia services.

If an animal is suitable for adoption, you should seek out traditional adoption centers, or better yet, a "no-kill" shelter. Keep in mind that traditional adoption shelters will often not take in "unadoptable" animals, or if they do, they are likely to euthanize them as well.

A list of 'no-kill' shelters

There are numerous "no-kill" shelters located throughout the United States where one can safely turn over stray or unwanted animals for adoption. A list of such facilities can be found at NoKillNetwork.org.
Sources:

WashingtonTimes.com

TheAtlantic.com

Philly.com

PETA.org

NoKillNetwork.org