Posted March 31, 2009 by Marta Holmberg
Euthanasia is not something anyone likes to think about, but unfortunately, sometimes it’s a necessity. I wanted to share with you PETA’s stance on euthanasia straight from PETA President Ingrid Newkirk herself. This is long, but it’s really important, so please do read it all the way through. And a heads-up: The images are graphic and disturbing.
-Marta
In my first year working at a grossly substandard animal shelter in Maryland, I forced myself to go in early to euthanize dogs by holding them in my arms and gently helping them escape an uncaring world without trauma or pain and to spare them from being stabbed haphazardly—while they were fully conscious, terrified and aware—in the general vicinity of their hearts with needles blunt from reuse and left to thrash on the floor until they finally died by the callous people who would arrive later to do the job.
I always wonder how anyone cannot recognize that there is a world of difference between painlessly euthanizing animals out of compassion—aged, injured, sick, and dying animals whose guardians can’t afford euthanasia, for instance—as PETA does, and causing them to suffer terror, pain, and a prolonged death while struggling to survive on the streets, at the hands of untrained and uncaring “technicians,” or animal abusers.
Every day, PETA’s fieldworkers help abused and neglected dogs—many of them pit bulls nowadays and many of them forced to live their lives on chains heavy enough to tow an 18-wheeler—by providing them with food; clean water; lightweight tie-outs; deworming medicine; flea, tick, and fly-strike prevention; free veterinary care; sturdy wooden doghouses stuffed with straw bedding; and love.
What we see is enough to make you lose faith in humanity. One pit bull we gained custody of, named Asia, looked like a skeleton covered with skin when PETA released her from the 15-pound chain she had been kept on for years. Asia suffered from three painful and deadly intestinal obstructions, which prevented her from keeping any food down. She faced an agonizing, lingering death, so our veterinarian recommended euthanasia to end her suffering. We pursued criminal charges against those responsible for her condition, leading to their conviction for cruelty to animals. That is just one of the dozens of cases we see every week.
The majority of adoptable dogs are never brought through our doors (we refer them to local adoption groups and walk-in animal shelters). Most of the animals we house, rescue, find homes for, or put out of their misery come from miserable conditions, which often lead to successful prosecution and the banning of animal abusers from ever owning or abusing animals again.
Please, if you care about animals, help prevent more of them from being born only to end up chained and left to waste away in people’s back yards, suffering on mean streets where people kick at them or shoo them away like garbage, tortured at the hands of animal abusers, or, alas, euthanized in animal shelters for lack of a good home. If you want to save lives, always have your animals spayed or neutered.
peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Too long to explain here, it's long enough for a novel.
Father loves to farm, be self sustainable, loves to read, he's a antiques/vintage auctioneer, art student, and looks like mr. Rogers. My mother is a Montessori teacher and is amazing with children, all about local organic foods, loves gardening, cooking etc. my sister who is nine years older than me was into indie music and introduced me to all sorts of things at a young age. This all rubbed of on me and from that base I grew into similar things. I'm an INFJ
I love animals about as much as rock, heavy metal, tea, and coffee. Hoping to make a difference and help animals through PETA!!!
I'm tall, a geek, nacho - obsessed, I love sewing and Cath Kidston, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.)
Jersey girl now I'm all country.
Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
I want to get into marketing but not have to rely on people which have different morals and worldviews than I do to hire me. While I'm figuring this out, I want to show everyone what I believe in and spur them into action against injustices.
Life On A Tour Bus
I am Angela. When I am not helping animals I am listening to music, reading, or playing video games. My spirit animal is a fox and I love nature. What else is there to know? Want to know anything about me, need advice or anything message me :)
562 days ago
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This is horrible to see. When the animal is in pain they shouldn’t suffer anymore. It’s heart breaking to see the conditions these sick animals have to live. People can be so ignorant sometimes. I mean look at those pictures
Why? is the question I have to those out there that allow the animal to suffer this much. Why? why are you so selfish?
585 days ago
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I agree with euthanasia when animals are in pain like the ones in these pictures. I DO NOT AGRRE with it when animals are in good health condition and are euthanized just because of overpopulation.|Could someone please clarify to me if you that as well, because they are two VERY DIFFERENT things
565 days ago
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Definitely!
670 days ago
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These pictures were horrible. I can’t believe ppl do this…..
Idk why ppl attack peta . Don’t they understand that peta takes in so many animals…animals that are in the worst of worst conditions…. what do they want them to do????let them live life like this…. its torture… :/ sometimes there is no cure… R.I.P.
693 days ago
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</3 So sad!!!
708 days ago
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I understand why euthanasia is nessicary but it is just so sad that people don’t spay or nuter their dogs and don’t adopt.
752 days ago
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it made me cry when i watched this… me and the millions of people who care about animals rights of all kinds are going to stop this madness! STOP IT IN ITS UGLY TRACKS THAT MARK THIS COUNTRY!!!! >.<
771 days ago
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Dear God It makes me frustrated heartbroken and angry. To see these evil humans WHO inflict pain on their brothers and sisters IM sorry people but we are All animals if you like it or not. You are no different TO ANY SPECIES OR LIVING THING ON THIS PLANET we are all connected. GET OVER YOURSELVES!
752 days ago
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amen sister. amen.
846 days ago
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The Peta Kills Animals website is ridiculous. They try to contort everything to point the finger at PETA. I read the article on their website with their biased narration. Whenever there is a cause, there is always someone working against you.
870 days ago
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horible how can this happen to inocent little animals
870 days ago
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that is horible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i cant even bear to c that
901 days ago
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Thank you for posting this, the photos made me cry. It always hits me hard when pets have to be euthanize just for not having a home, but those animals were clearly suffering and furthering an animals suffering is just insane.
939 days ago
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I think if animals are suffering from chronic illnesses. We should euthanize. Why? let animals suffer any further. The pictures show animals with cancer and infectius wounds. The should put down , but can help do so? I’m studying animals sciences in college. I seen too much cruetly to animals . I lover of all animals. I think, if you can ease animals do so. If any one disgree so whaty who care waht you say. Im sorry but this how I feel. I think PETA Shows how we can be humane not cruel to them .
952 days ago
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Euthanasia is an action of last resort. The pictures show animals in great disstress where the decision should be an easy one. Having worked with animals all my life I have also seen many situations where animals are euthanized for financial reasons or even reasons of convenience. I have stroked and held many of my own animals as they are being euthanised , it is always very sad. Before making the decision I always ask myself one question, what do they want? I try to let that living being give me the answer, mainly by observing their behaviour and desire for life. I commend Peta for your stance. I wish we humans could also be afforded the option of a painless death in the company of someone who loves us.
960 days ago
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I am very much delighted to go through this heart touching story for love and volunteer towards animals.
working for the beneift of all sentient being is the widest concept in this existence, so I strongly support this organisation and volunteer myself to render every possible service as encouragement.
Hats off and Keep your spirit high working for a noble cause.
Regards
Tashi TENZIN
999 days ago
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- if nothing can be done to save the animal – by all means end the needless suffering.
1080 days ago
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This story made me cry. This is simply tragic. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that animals are mistreated and abused. In a perfect world animals would not suffer and every animal in the shelter would be able to find a loving home. However, this is not a perfect world. There are times when as a last resort for a suffering animal that is undergoing intense pain is euthanasia. Before this article I always believed there should be an alternative to euthanasia, but I now realize there are times when it is necessary for an animal to be put down.
1080 days ago
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I have never really been a fan of euthanasia…I have always believed that there’s a chance that an animal can live, without suffering. Though I still believe that is the case in most circumstances, this post has helped me see that sometimes it’s better for the animal to be put down. Thank you so much.
1103 days ago
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What actually happened to those pets. Like what caused them to look like, yes it because they are euthanized but like how did they kill them. those poor pets. My brother wants to get a cat but like I’m trying to get him to get a cat from the animal shelter if he actually gets one so I showed him these pictures.
1124 days ago
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I understand why you believe it’s necessary to make it easier for the hurt animals. If they are deadly ill and are in pain, they shouldn’t be kept in that condition. I think it’s horrible to take someone’s life, but… It’s a difficult situation.
1149 days ago
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I have to confess, I was one of those people that criticized about PETA and euthanasia before I read about this. I had even argued with one of the people working in PETA because of this. Now I finally understand the reasons. I am grateful that I have read this post. Thank you.
1160 days ago
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Thank you guys so so much for posting this. For a while, I was tired of the same argument people were giving; “Did you know that peta killed more than 2000 animals? Well, did you?”. And I got tired of the same response time after time; “Did you know that peta saves 10 times the amount of animals they euthanize?”. Now I have s link to give them so that they finally shut their mouthes. Thanks.
1167 days ago
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Thank you so much for posting this. It is a real shame that there are such cruel and people in this world. Thank God for PETA for working towards some of us our dream of making the world a better place for animals. Without you helping to rescue and euthanize these poor animals, they would suffer even longer. I cried when I saw these pictures. That’s the problem, people don’t see these and think you are just euthanizing animals. I will make sure that my friends and family and everybody under my reach know what PETA actually does. Thank you again.
1199 days ago
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HEARTBREAKING JUST CANT BELIEVE IT
1222 days ago
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These are the worst pictures i have ever seen if animals. Rather or not i believe in euthanizing animals doesn’t matter. The only thing that should matter to anyone who tryly cares about animals is the fact that they’re not suffering. if a animal is in that poor condition no matter what we should want to relieve it from the pain
1242 days ago
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The picture has never been painted right about you guys. I have in all seriousness only heard you guys talked about in the light of animal killers.
But now I completely understand after this article- you’re really the only ones rescuing many of the animals you see. Thank youThe picture has never been painted right about you guys. I have in all seriousness only heard you guys talked about in the light of animal killers.
But now I completely understand after this article- you’re really the only ones rescuing many of the animals you see. Thank you<3
1261 days ago
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when the love an animal ( its love is to be loved an matter what pain level ,that pain becomes seconardy to all other things happening to that animal).When we can finnaly understand that concept,why would Euthanasia be even a second thought.
1330 days ago
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i agree with euthanizing an animal in pain or distress. like the poor animals in that picture.
i just dont agree with PETA.
1360 days ago
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Thank you so much for posting this. It is a real shame that there are such cruel and vicious people in this world. Thank God for PETA. Without you helping to rescue and euthanize these poor animals, they would suffer even longer. I cried when I saw these pictures. That’s the problem, people don’t see these and think you are just euthanizing animals. I will make sure that my friends and family know what PETA actually does. Thank you again.
1378 days ago
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The only thing I can say is Thank God for PETA! As for the rest, I have no words!
1378 days ago
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YES! This is just what I needed. Thank you, PETA. It is depressing that this exists, yet this makes the root of the problem very clear.
I’ll definitely use the points on this page against “PETA kills animals” claims. It’s very useful.
1403 days ago
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upon reading this article, i would really want to cry beacuse it breaks my heart into pieces on what’s happening around us, especially on animal like dogs, well they are the most likely to experience those kind of “cruelty”. i dont understand why people do those such things?…
i am really grateful and so happy that there are people who give importance to animals and i do much understand why you guys doing the “marcy killing”.
thanks PETA and and i will always support your organization.
hope we can conquer this kind of cruelty and give justice on all animals who experience cruelty and most specially is to stop those kind of activities.
KUDOS!!!!
1408 days ago
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Ingrid,
You are an absolute Angel from above. You give new light and meaning to the phrase, ‘Mercy Killing’, the exception here is that, it is not the killing of life, but the killing of misery and pain these poor animals have endured and continue to. I’ve filled out an on-line application for PETA today in hopes of working my dream job in making this world a better place for animals. It would be such an honor to meet you and an honor to become part of the PETA family. As difficult as it is to see the images above it is NECESSARY to convey the importance behind what you have to do to ease the suffering.
1425 days ago
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When I was seven years old, my parents took me to the local ASPCA to pick out a new “Puppy.” Naturally, all the puppies were taken, and only the older, less desireable dogs remained. Disappointed, we left and walked back towards our car. The parking lot was bordered by a wooden fence, with just enough space between the planks for a curious eye to peek through.
What I saw that day changed me forever. A young man stood atop a loading platform, throwing bodies of dogs and cats into the back of a stakebed truck. The bodies were piled so tall that the young man had to throw them as high as he could to get them to land in the truck.
Euthanasia isn’t what put those animals in the truck. Irresponsiblity and lack of compassion were the culprets. Forty plus years later, PETA is still fighting a battle that should have been won decades ago. How dare anyone critisize PETA for picking up the “Trash” that society creates! Education and truth are the only weapons we have in this fight. I hope this blog page continues to share the “Truth.” A some point, we have to believe that people will listen.
Incidently, we walked back into the animal shelter and came home with a three year old Collie mix. Best dog I ever had!
1471 days ago
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i was so saddened by the pictures of the dogs who were so abused tortured and i can’t believe how cruel and dirgusting people are i feel like we’re not doing enough i think that people should get the death penalty for abusing animals
1492 days ago
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How is it that human beings continue to go on with their daily lives without opening their eyes to the hardships and miserable existences of the earth’s innocent animals? I’m sorry but I don’t believe I am any better or more valuable just because I am human. Thankfully there are beings who dedicate their lives to helping those who cannot speak for themselves. However, a majority of people think they have ultimate rule over animals. Isn’t Man responsible for all the terror we see in the eyes of animals? If only he had neutered his puppy. If only she had licensed and microchipped her cat. If only teachers could tell the truth about where food, clothes and products come from. If only… I am saddened daily but the indifference of people when it comes to animals. Are they heartless, blind, or what? My only hope is that people such as myself, and any of your readers or helpers can make a drastic change in the name of animals. Not one of them deserves what Man succeeds in doing to them.
1493 days ago
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This is wonderful work that you do for animals and even though there are some cases that aren’t able to be saved you help them. You guys give voice to those that can’t and end a lot of suffering.
You are all heroes, not just for those that can have no voice and are helpless against others, but you are heroes to those that can be inspired to make a difference and I am glad that there is always someone who knows what is right and what is wrong.
Thank you for being the voice they need and keep up the work that you do.
1504 days ago
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I’m so glad you posted this, I hope those who criticise PeTA read this and are able to understand why euthanasia needs to be used as a last resort.
Thank you PeTA for all you do for animals.
1504 days ago
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I have been a long time PETA supporter. The last few days, however, I was sent some statistics on the amount of animals euthanized. After looking at the stats I entered into conversation with Rise Against about this practice. They led me to this website. Without these pictures the stats can be very misleading. I can now see that this is a necessary evil. PETA still has my support and my condolences for having to be the people that make the hard decisions.
1507 days ago
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I do support Peta! I believe that they do find good homes for these pets and do what’s right for the animal’s. I wish I could save every animal out there, but we know that it’s impossible to do and that is a fact. So many have given their pets up, because of money problems in Amercia today. Some of these animals needs medical care and there isn’t any money. We can be cruel to think a dog with half of his face off from a dog fight would be better to help then a families pet that was given up due to money to save. This not not mean I don’t have a heart, because I will fight with you to the end on that. But, unless you have alot of money to help the dog with half a face and give it a good home, then it wont suffer. I support euthanasia to a point of no hope,no pain and no suffering. Gass Chambers need NOT to happen at all. Don’t get a pet if you can’t take care of it, they need food, water, walking and medical care. Don’t get a pet if you can’t do all those things. You can’t blame Peta for it all blame people who get these pets without thought, Puppy Mills who do the wrong thing and keep breeding all the time and getting away with it. That’s why I express to Spay and Neuter your pet, if you can’t do that think twice about getting one!
1508 days ago
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It’s sad that WAY too many owners are neglecting to neuter their pets! Dogs and cats especially need a human caretaker, and they deserve our care. No animal deserves the pain of those in the images.
I’m grateful for PETA to step up and show compassion to these animals by ending their suffering in the most humane way possible, while educating the public to keep future animals from sharing the same fate.
1510 days ago
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The pictures are soo sad how people can do this i wish animals can do that to their owners that did that to them and see how people feel. But if there aggresive you can always fix them all you need is time but if there hurting really bad its sad to watch them go but they will be in a place called dog heaven or hunt their owners forever
1512 days ago
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I became tearful after reading that and seeing those awful images. How could anybody be that sick as to prolong an animal’s suffering to the point of what those animals had to endure? The poor dog in the last image, you can clearly see the horrible pain it felt in it’s one remaining eye.
Thank you so much for posting this and getting the message out. Euthanasia is never easy, as I have learnt (my dear cat, Anya, who was my first pet, was put down in 2007 due to cancer) and yet sometimes it is the only way to end an animal’s suffering. I hope those poor animals are at peace now.
1513 days ago
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wow, i’m actually tearing up and i totally agree with yu but it must be hard (even tho yur doing the right thing) to do that.
peacenlove
1513 days ago
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I so pray to god that those animals were dead when those photos were made. Especially the last dog. My god, what happened to this world?
1513 days ago
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Peta please keep doing what you guys are best at saving innocent lives. Euthanasia gives the animal dignity, like us, they deserve dignity. We all would like to go in a pain free sleep. It breaks my heart to see this but this is reality and it is ignorance and cruelty upon the ones who caused thes angels pain. I would rather go through the pain myself then see an animal suffer. i’ve worked for 2 vets and I know that sometimes euthanasia is the best option. Bless you PETA and all you do!
1513 days ago
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I worked in animal hospitals for over three years. I understand, first hand, that sometimes you must put down an animal if they are suffering and there is no hope for their recovery. It is not murder. If someone puts an animal down because they simply do not want them anymore, then yes, that is murder.
After seeing these pictures how can anyone think that painlessly putting them out of their misery could be anything bad?
The pictures say it all.
1514 days ago
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Thank you for posting this. I get so tired of hearing ignorant people say “PETA Kills animals.” Now I have a page to refer them to after they endure my rant
1514 days ago
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I’m really grateful for this post. I know PETA has always been dedicated on providing love and care to those homeless animals, but that’s the bitter sweet reality of euthanasia. I’ve actually watched one show before where there are a hundreds of dogs and cats (most of them are adoptable) are waiting to be “put to sleep” if nobody adopts them and I’ve seen how they were humanely euthanized. It really breaks my heart, so please, please go to your nearest animal shelter and adopt. Thanks.
1514 days ago
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Thank you for posting this. There are, sadly, times when an animal needs to be painlessly put down to save their suffering, and I completely support euthanasia. To let these animals live, I beleive, would be much more cruel and not “for the ethical treatment of animals.” If these people had taken care of their animals, there would be much fewer that would have to be taken down. People need to understand that the cruel owner was the perpetrator, and that PETA is the liberator.
1514 days ago
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Thanks so much for clarifying this for me. Now I don’t feel bad about liking PETA
.
1514 days ago
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i just started crying really i sware cuz i have 2 dogs and a cat and thats sad to see a poor animal suffer gosh
1514 days ago
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Thanks for posting this.
My friend Morgan (male) who thinks fur is okay and other stupid things, says that you guys had
14, 000 animals and that 2% were adopted and the rest killed by you. I said that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Thanks for clearing this up for me. Kudos to you guys! Thanks for posting this.
My friend Morgan (male) who thinks fur is okay and other stupid things, says that you guys had
14, 000 animals and that 2% were adopted and the rest killed by you. I said that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Thanks for clearing this up for me. Kudos to you guys! <3
1514 days ago
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heartbreaking, just heartbreaking .
1514 days ago
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Hey there,
Please contact our Cruelty Investigations department immediately at CIDinfo@peta.org to get help for your neighbor’s dog.
Thanks!
-Marta
1514 days ago
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This story made me cry. The photos were intense, but I understand just how bad things for animals can get.It reminded me of my neighbors who own a pit bull who has already had a litter of 4 or 5 puppies and I suspect she is pregnant again. This poor dog is left outside in the cold everyday or left in the house when no one is home, yelping either way because she is lonely. I’ve never seen my neighbors bring her food or water and she is left unchained to wander the streets. My mom and I have called the pound several times and nothing has been done to get this dog to a better place. Are there any ways I could possibly help to get this dog to a better home?
1514 days ago
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These images are so tragic, but I’m glad that those poor souls don’t have to suffer anymore. They deserve a peaceful death and a death from those injuries would be terrible. Keep doing what you do, PETA! I stand behind you 100%.
1514 days ago
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Thank you so much for posting this. Hopefully for anyone who reads this, the “PETA kills Animals” bullcrap will be cleared up. It’s a very sad thing that occurs, but sometimes, like you said, Euthanasia is sometimes necessary. People need to understand that what you guys are doing is for the better for the animals.
If animals in the condition as the pictures above could speak to us, I’m completely positive they’d want to leave the world calmly and peacefully through euthanasia, rather than suffering and miserable for their last few weeks, days, or hours.
1514 days ago
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I see so much crap aimed at PETA through the euthanasia argument. What you do is heartbreaking and anyone who criticizes you has to read this first. You hit the nail on the head.
Thank You.
1514 days ago
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Thank you for posting this information. People often argue about Peta and euthanisation simply because they don’t understand the situations you guys deal with.
1514 days ago
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I am glad this was posted.
1514 days ago
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Kudos.
If it is necessary, as you say, do it. Stones shouldn’t be thrown at you guys if you have to, if you making death easier, then it should be a simple easy always there option.
Seeing the pictures hurt, and just goes to show how selfish and uncaring some people in the world are, but it is always good to know there is always a good guy, in this case being the wonderful people at PETA.
Keep it up.
Love Danny.
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