6/23/2005

PETA Breaks Promises and Kills Animals needlessly

Three stories
---"In 2003, PETA euthanized over 85 percent of the animals it took in," said a press release from the lobby, "finding adoptive homes for just 14 percent. By comparison, the Norfolk (Va.) SPCA found adoptive homes for 73 percent of its animals and Virginia Beach SPCA adopted out 66 percent." . . .


---"Animal rights activists cross over to dark side"


---Officials of two North Carolina counties have stopped releasing strays to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, saying they were surprised the group euthanized the animals instead of finding them homes.

Two PETA employees are charged with dumping dead animals they collected in Eastern North Carolina in a shopping center's trash bins. Adria Joy Hinkle, 27, of Norfolk, Va., and Andrew Benjamin Cook, 24, of Virginia Beach, Va., have a hearing July 19 on charges of animal cruelty, disposal of dead animals and trespassing.

Northampton County officials decided last week to stop working with PETA until the case is resolved. The Bertie County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to cut all ties to the Norfolk, Va.-based group, despite an apology from its president.

Bertie County Manager Zee Lamb said Tuesday he thought the animals were being taken for examination and "the ones that were adoptable would be adopted," and euthanasia would be a last resort. Sue Gay, health director for Northampton County, said she assumed the same. . . .