PETA Shelter?s Euthanasia Rate High

March 2, 2006 — 

The rate of euthanasia in the animal rescue shelter owned and operated by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Norfolk, VA, PETA's headquarters, is almost double that of the incidence statewide.

According to statistics collected by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, of the animals received into the PETA shelter that were not returned to their owners, 90% were euthanized in 2005. The incidence of euthanasia in all shelter facilities statewide was 56% for the same time period. In addition, PETA was only able to adopt out 7% of the animals compared to 28% statewide.

In addition, two PETA employees were arrested in June in Ahoskie, NC for illegally euthanizing cats and dogs and discarding their bodies in a dumpster behind a local grocery store. The pair has been charged with multiple counts of felony cruelty to animals and obtaining property under false pretenses. Employees at a local veterinary clinic were reportedly told by the PETA employees that they would find homes in Virginia for animals collected from the Ahoskie clinic. Indictments filed in Hertford County Superior Court accuse the PETA staffers of never intending to find homes for the animals, instead, the indictment alleges, the pair killed the animals shortly after picking them up.

Sources:
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald